George Massle Gividen

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Christopher Layne Smalley-Alexander on January 30, 2022:

Later this year on October 12th 2022, will mark the 70th anniversary of my Great Great grandfathers heroic actions in the Sataeri region of Korea where the Volunteer Patrol Organized under him as acting First Lieutenant for the purpose of destroying an enemy outpost. During this mission he was injured on 3 separate occasions including having both legs broken due to a exploding grenade between his legs, the explosion of a near-vicinity white phosphorus grenade and the third injury from a charging enemy armed with a sub-machine gun. While sustaining all these injuries he was still able to destroy the enemy position and buy time for his troops to bring back him and the rest of his injured company back behind the friendly perimeter thus preventing any loss of American lives. His extraordinary and selfless act earned him the Award of the Distinguished Service Cross. Along with countless other medals and awards over his military service he has continued to inspire those who remember his story and his dedication. I am proud to have him as my family and even though he came and went before my time, the stories and memories of him passed to me though my family remind me of the good man he was and gives me the inspiration to strive for the same greatness that he brought to his name.

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