George D . Keathley George Dennis Keathley ( March 10 , 1917 – September 14 , 1944 ) was a staff sergeant in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II . Biography . Born in Olney , Texas in 1917 , Keathley attended Olney High School and Cameron Junior College . He graduated from the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas , today known as Texas A & M University , in 1937 . He joined the Army from Lamesa , Texas , and by September 14 , 1944 , was serving as a staff sergeant in Company B , 338th Infantry Regiment , 85th Infantry Division . During an enemy counterattack on that day , at Mount Altuzzo , Italy , Keathley took command of two platoons which had been left leaderless due to heavy casualties . He organized the platoons ' defense , gathered ammunition , and encouraged his men even after being severely wounded . He died of his injuries shortly after the attack was repulsed . For these actions , Keathley was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later , on March 29 , 1945 . Keathley , aged 27 at his death , was buried at the Florence American Cemetery in Florence , Italy . Keathley ' s Medal of Honor is on permanent display at Texas A & M University ' s Sanders Corps of Cadets Center . The medal was donated to the museum by his family on July 17 , 2009 . Also at Texas A & M is the Keathley Hall dormitory , named in his honor . Medal of Honor citation . For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty , in action on the western ridge of Mount Altuzzo , Italy . After bitter fighting his company had advanced to within 50 yards of the objective , where it was held up due to intense enemy sniper , automatic , small arms , and mortar fire . The enemy launched 3 desperate counterattacks in an effort to regain their former positions , but all 3 were repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides . All officers and noncommissioned officers of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B had become casualties , and S / Sgt . Keathley , guide of the 1st platoon , moved up and assumed command of both the 2d and 3d platoons , reduced to 20 men . The remnants of the 2 platoons were dangerously low on ammunition , so S / Sgt . Keathley , under deadly small arms and mortar fire , crawled from 1 casualty to another , collecting their ammunition and administering first aid . He then visited each man of his 2 platoons , issuing the precious ammunition he had collected from the dead and wounded , and giving them words of encouragement . The enemy now delivered their fourth counterattack , which was approximately 2 companies in strength . In a furious charge they attacked from the front and both flanks , throwing hand grenades , firing automatic weapons , and assisted by a terrific mortar barrage . So strong was the enemy counterattack that the company was given up for lost . The remnants of the 2d and 3d platoons of Company B were now looking to S / Sgt . Keathley for leadership . He shouted his orders precisely and with determination and the men responded with all that was in them . Time after time the enemy tried to drive a wedge into S / Sgt . Keathley ' s position and each time they were driven back , suffering huge casualties . Suddenly an enemy hand grenade hit and exploded near S / Sgt . Keathley , inflicting a mortal wound in his left side . However , hurling defiance at the enemy , he rose to his feet . Taking his left hand away from his wound and using it to steady his rifle , he fired and killed an attacking enemy soldier , and continued shouting orders to his men . His heroic and intrepid action so inspired his men that they fought with incomparable determination and viciousness . For 15 minutes S / Sgt . Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle . He could have sought a sheltered spot and perhaps saved his life , but instead he elected to set an example for his men and make every possible effort to hold his position . Finally , friendly artillery fire helped to force the enemy to withdraw , leaving behind many of their number either dead or seriously wounded . S / Sgt . Keathley died a few moments later . Had it not been for his indomitable courage and incomparable heroism , the remnants of 3 rifle platoons of Company B might well have been annihilated by the overwhelming enemy attacking force . His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service .