S/Sgt George D Keathley, 338th Infantry

I am researching S/Sgt George Keathley who was awarded the Medal of Honor while serving with Co. B, 338th Infantry, 85th Division in Italy. I would like to contact anyone who served with him or participated in the Battle of Monte Altuzzo.

 

Hi, unfortunately I don't know anyone who participated in the Battle for Altuzzo, but I have a great interest in it too, living an hour by car from Il Giogo Pass.
I have been to Mount Altuzzo yesterday, went from the top down to Eastern Ridge, passed La Rocca Farmhouse, and up the Western Ridge to Peabody's Peak.
Took some pictures, if you are interested let me know.
Ciao,
Talian

 

My grandfather was in the 338th infantry, but I'm not sure which company, which probably doesn't help much. But if you hear the last name PFC Michele' Fuschetto, then lmk cause that was him

 

I would be interested in photos you have of the Il Giogo Pass and the Mt. Altuzzo area. I am writing a book about the seven Texas Aggies who were awarded the MOH in WWII and might use one of the pictures with your permission.
Thanks, Jim Woodall

 

Talian, please email me at woodalljg at yahoo.com. I need your help on the Mt. Altuzzo area.

Moderator Edit:

Cowboy6, I took the symbol out of your email address above to lessen the likelihood of spambots finding your email address and sending copious quatities of spam to you. If you guys can't get together, contact me and I will get y'all hooked up by less visible means.

 

Moderator, Thanks for protecting my email address. I would like to contact Talian if that can be arranged. I need a local map of the Mt. Altuzzo area.

 

Got the message just today, check your email,
ciao Talian

 

Talian, Have not received your email. Please contact me.
Cowboy 6

 

My father also served with the 85th as a combat medic assigned to the 338th's cannon company. S/Sgt Keathley's gallantry is well documented and I will be happy to post what I have of it. The source is from the 85th's history. It was on the second day of the attack on Altuzzo that the account reads as follows:

"The first Battalion of the 338th made better progress (refering to the second day). Company B spearheaded the attack, reached a point within 75 yards of one of the crest of Altuzzo. Company E of the second Battalion tied in with the the left of Company B to keep abreast of the advance. But the gains were not easily held."

"Company B advanced over the rocky, exposed slopes where it had little to no cover and was soon fired upon from three sides with machine guns...... The enemy began to counterattack but were repelled each time. For its action on Altuzzo, B Company recieved a Presidential Citation."

"For conspicuos gallantry in the attack on Altuzzo on September 14th, Staff Sergeant George D. Keathley, B Company, 338th Infantry was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor".

The account of his actions read: " When the leaders of the 2 forward platoons were wounded, S/Sgt Keathley, platoon guide of the supporting platoon, took over the command of the other two platoons. The enemy was counterattacking fiercely and after 3 of these only 20 men remained from the two platoons. Staff Sergeant Keathley reorganized them and placed them in a position to best defend the badly exposed position on the hill. Ammunition was running low and S/Sgt Keathley, while directing the defense passed among the dead and wounded collecting ammunition from those who could no longer use it and then passed among the men."

A 4th enemy attack by 2 companies almost overran the position " The Germans charged firing machine pistols and throwing hand grenades and the fight became hand to hand." ...."One grenade shattered S/Sgt Keathleys abdomen but he fought on holding his entrails in with his left hand. He continued to direct his men and fire his rifle effectively for some 15 minutes until, with the help of artillery fire, the counter attack was driven off...... S/Sgt Keathley was led to a sheltered place where he died."...... "The example he had set and the skill of his direction were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy."