Cornelius Ryan WWII papers, box 006, folder 23: Edward Marcellus Gearing

DECORATIONS AND AWARDS BRANCH. MILITARY PERSONNEL DIVISION, AGO. RECORD OF AWARD OF DECORATION BY AGENCY OTHER THAN WAR DEPARTMENT Initials [illegible] Date 11-9-44

Last Name First Name Middle Initial Serial No. Grade GEARING EDWARD N. 0495585 (THEN 2ND LT) 1ST LT

Organization Foreign Others 116TH INF

Headquarters Station or APO G.O. No. Section Date FIRST U.S. ARMY 230 29 I 29 June 1944

Type of Award Posthumous DO NOT WRITE IN COLUMN BELOW DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS NO

Oak-Leaf Clusters Number Posthumous

By Command of Amended Revoked MAJ. GEN. W.B. KEAN

For extraordinary heroise im action against the enemy on 6 June 1944 in ****. In the initial assault upon the coast of *****, First Lieutenant Gearing landed with his platoon in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire. This intense fire pinned the men down on a narrow beachhead, inflicting numerous casualities with resultant disorganization. In the reorganization and perparation of his platoon for attack, First Lieutenant Gearing fearlessly and, with complete disregard for his own safety, on numerous occasions exposed himself to the direct enemy fire. He then led his platoon in a successful assault upon the enemy positions. The personal bravery and superior leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Gearing reflect great credit on himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

body washed in and out on tide. Shilling Co. D

He felt mad waste of men might as well have sent cattle up on beach

up quarter mile away

(Gearing was wearing Navy clothes)

Metcalfe sent him down to beach

He went down with cart to pick up ammo from dead bodies - stacked up like cordwood - grenades, bangalore torpedoes no food. 1 can of beans He saw Dr. Robert B. [?Wares?]

beach [illegible] Vierville draw. Saw Dallas [illegible] didn't you get killed "Where did you come from? "Vierville" "But its not taken yet" "I want a tank" G - "I'm going down beach [?and?]

nobody could get to 100 yds of guns [inserted] camouflaged [end inserted] Lt. Alfred S. Anderson's boat section was supposed to knock out He was yelling "Move up mine cutter" when he was [?killed?] only 2 of his section got in.