FORT STEWART, Ga. — More than 75 years ago, a 17-year-old Soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division made a decision on a battlefield in Korea that would forever place his name among the nation’s most courageous service members.
Today, his story remains unfinished.
Cpl. Charles L. Gilliland, assigned to Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions near Tongmang-ni, Korea, on April 25, 1951. At just 17 years old, Gilliland became the youngest Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War.
Gilliland did not wake up that morning expecting to write his name into history. But when his unit came under attack by an overwhelming enemy force, the objective was clear: defeat the advisory and defend the position. Despite losing his assistant gunner, and suffering a serious head wound, Gilliland refused medical treatment and insisted he remain heavily in the fight.
When his company was ordered to withdraw, Gilliland volunteered to provide cover-fire as the sole line of difference between the incoming combatants and his fellow Soldiers. Because of his bravery, enemy forces were prevented from overrunning his unit, saving multiple Soldiers lives.
This would be the last time those Soldiers would see Cpl. Gilliland.
Because of the intense fighting and enemy advance, his remains could not be recovered. Later searches of the area were unsuccessful, and Gilliland remains unaccounted for today.
The Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency continues to list him in its "Active Pursuit” category, meaning the search for our fellow Dogface Soldier has not yet ended.
In 1952, for his extraordinary courage, Gilliland was awarded the Medal of Honor.
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 18, 2026, the 3rd Infantry Division remembers Gilliland’s extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice.
For the 3rd Infantry Division, Gilliland’s story is especially personal. He was a Dogface Soldier whose courage helped save the lives of his fellow Soldiers, and whose journey home remains unfinished.
His Medal of Honor ensures his heroism will be remembered. His MIA status reminds us that our responsibility to bring him home continues.
More than 75 years later, Cpl. Charles L. Gilliland remains a part, and shall always remain a part, of the 3rd Infantry Division family.
FORT STEWART, Ga. — More than 75 years ago, a 17-year-old Soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division made a decision on a battlefield in Korea that would forever place his name among the nation’s most courageous service members.
Today, his story remains unfinished.
Cpl. Charles L. Gilliland, assigned to Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions near Tongmang-ni, Korea, on April 25, 1951. At just 17 years old, Gilliland became the youngest Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War.
Gilliland did not wake up that morning expecting to write his name into history. But when his unit came under attack by an overwhelming enemy force, the objective was clear: defeat the advisory and defend the position. Despite losing his assistant gunner, and suffering a serious head wound, Gilliland refused medical treatment and insisted he remain heavily in the fight.
When his company was ordered to withdraw, Gilliland volunteered to provide cover-fire as the sole line of difference between the incoming combatants and his fellow Soldiers. Because of his bravery, enemy forces were prevented from overrunning his unit, saving multiple Soldiers lives.
This would be the last time those Soldiers would see Cpl. Gilliland.
Because of the intense fighting and enemy advance, his remains could not be recovered. Later searches of the area were unsuccessful, and Gilliland remains unaccounted for today.
The Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency continues to list him in its "Active Pursuit” category, meaning the search for our fellow Dogface Soldier has not yet ended.
In 1952, for his extraordinary courage, Gilliland was awarded the Medal of Honor.
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 18, 2026, the 3rd Infantry Division remembers Gilliland’s extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice.
For the 3rd Infantry Division, Gilliland’s story is especially personal. He was a Dogface Soldier whose courage helped save the lives of his fellow Soldiers, and whose journey home remains unfinished.
His Medal of Honor ensures his heroism will be remembered. His MIA status reminds us that our responsibility to bring him home continues.
More than 75 years later, Cpl. Charles L. Gilliland remains a part, and shall always remain a part, of the 3rd Infantry Division family.
You are not forgotten.