COLLIER, GILBERT
G.
Rank and organization: Sergeant (then
Cpl.), U.S. Army, Company F, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Tutayon, Korea,
19-20 July 1953. Entered service at: Tichnor Ark. Born: 30
December 1930, Hunter, Ark. G.O. No.: 3, 12 January 1955.
Citation: Sgt. Collier, a member of Company F,
distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and
indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Sgt. Collier was pointman and
assistant leader of a combat patrol committed to make
contact with the enemy. As the patrol moved forward
through the darkness, he and his commanding officer
slipped and fell from a steep, 60-foot cliff and were
injured. Incapacitated by a badly sprained ankle which
prevented immediate movement, the officer ordered the
patrol to return to the safety of friendly lines. Although
suffering from a painful back injury, Sgt. Collier elected
to remain with his leader, and before daylight they
managed to crawl back up and over the mountainous terrain
to the opposite valley where they concealed themselves in
the brush until nightfall, then edged toward their company
positions. Shortly after leaving the daylight retreat they
were ambushed and, in the ensuing fire fight, Sgt. Collier
killed 2 hostile soldiers, received painful wounds, and
was separated from his companion. Then, ammunition
expended, he closed in hand-to-hand combat with 4
attacking hostile infantrymen, killing, wounding, and
routing the foe with his bayonet. He was mortally wounded
during this action, but made a valiant attempt to reach
and assist his leader in a desperate effort to save his
comrade's life without regard for his own personal safety.
Sgt. Collier's unflinching courage, consummate devotion to
duty, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect lasting glory
upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the
military service.
