This Memorial Day we honor the memory of Medal of Honor George D. Keathley, born in Lamesa, Dawson County, Texas, and died September 14, 1944 in Italy having fought for 15 minutes after receiving a mortal grenade wound.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, in action on the western ridge of Mount Altuzzo, Italy. After bitter fighting his company had advanced to within 50 yards of the objective, where it was held up due to intense enemy sniper, automatic, small-arms, and mortar fire. The enemy launched three desperate counterattacks in an effort to regain their former positions, but all three were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides. All officers and noncommissioned officers of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B had become casualties, and S/Sgt. Keathley, guide of the 1st platoon, moved up and assumed command of both the 2d and 3d platoons, reduced to 20 men. The remnants of the two platoons were dangerously low on ammunition, so S/Sgt. Keathley, under deadly small-arms and mortar fire, crawled from one casualty to another, collecting their ammunition and administering first aid. He then visited each man of his two platoons, issuing the precious ammunition he had collected from the dead and wounded, and giving them words of encouragement. The enemy now delivered their fourth counterattack, which was approximately two companies in strength. In a furious charge they attacked from the front and both flanks, throwing hand grenades, firing automatic weapons, and assisted by a terrific mortar barrage. So strong was the enemy counterattack that the company was given up for lost. The remnants of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B were now looking to S/Sgt. Keathley for leadership. He shouted his orders precisely and with determination and the men responded with all that was in them. Time after time the enemy tried to drive a wedge into S/Sgt. Keathley’s position and each time they were driven back, suffering huge casualties. Suddenly an enemy hand grenade hit and exploded near S/Sgt. Keathley, inflicting a mortal wound in his left side. However, hurling defiance at the enemy, he rose to his feet. Taking his left hand away from his wound and using it to steady his rifle, he fired and killed an attacking enemy soldier, and continued shouting orders to his men. His heroic and intrepid action so inspired his men that they fought with incomparable determination and viciousness. For 15 minutes S/Sgt. Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle. He could have sought a sheltered spot and perhaps saved his life, but instead he elected to set an example for his men and make every possible effort to hold his position. Finally, friendly artillery fire helped to force the enemy to withdraw, leaving behind many of their number either dead or seriously wounded. S/Sgt. Keathley died a few moments later. Had it not been for his indomitable courage and incomparable heroism, the remnants of three rifle platoons of Company B might well have been annihilated by the overwhelming enemy attacking force. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Today we honor George D. Keathley and all America’s war dead for their service and sacrifice.
Tags: Congressional Medal of Honor, George D. Keathley, Italy, Military, Texas, World War II
RIP S/Sgt Keathley
Born 1917. Does not look 27 years old — the thousand yard stare had already set in.
There are beaucoup discrepancies in SSG Keathley’s info, online. His DOB is either 1907 or 1917, he’s got two wives listed, he was either a Texas Aggie who started school in 1937 or he was a member of the Class of ’37 that wasn’t able to finish… You go looking, and the background info is inconsistent as hell.
Given that he joined in ’42, and was a Staff Sergeant by ’44, it’d be my guess that he was born in 1907, and they likely promoted him fast due to civilian experience as a foreman or manager. He looks a lot more like he was 36, which is one age listed for him, than 27, which is another.
He looks like he was the “old man” of the unit, and probably felt a paternal sense of obligation to the younger guys in the platoon, which led to a lot of what he did. If he was 36, I’m astonished at his physical prowess at that age, in that era… Those guys were tough as old shoe leather. I’ve read a lot of first-person accounts of WWII combat, and the one thing that stuck with me was the youth required, and just how hard combat was on the older guys. If the 1907 date was accurate, SSG Keathley was one hell of an impressive man.
I’d be interested to know if anyone can shed light on the real deal, with his biographical information. Even the Aggies are a little inconsistent…
Here.
Kirk –
Keathley’s entry in the Texas A&M Hall of Honor lists him as “Staff Sergeant George Keathley ’37”
In Aggie parlance, that means Class of 1937, which would make a 1917 birthdate most likely.
Dave L.,
Wikipedia has him born November 10, 1907 (ironic date, that…), aged 36 at death, and among the cites they use for that is the Texas State Historical Association, which has a bit more of a biography:
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/keathley-george-dennis
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society has the 1917 date, which is also cited:
https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/george-d-keathley
Like I said, it’s all over the map. Several sources I’d hope were authoritative have different info, and I’m gonna go with the Texas State Historical Association since they seem to have the most detail about his pre-military life and career. He seems to have worked for the Soil Conservation Service in the dustbowl, which probably explains a lot about his rapid rise through the ranks and the aging. It looks like he married a woman with two daughters, and had no kids of his own, but that there are a lot of relatives of his who did have children. At least one was an Airman and interviewed about his impact, which was interesting…
You’d think people would do a better job of documenting these guys, but… Well… Yeah. It was a long time ago, and doesn’t matter to anyone but us obsessives who served. No man dies who is remembered…
Comment with links is hanging in moderation…
Approved,