THE WALL OF FACES

Much love...patty Davis. South Toledo YMCA

George W. Coleman
HOME OF RECORD:
Wildwood Crest, New Jersey

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant George W. Coleman (MCSN: 0-103411), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 4 January to 17 March 1968. Participating in several major combat operations and numerous small unit operations, Lieutenant Coleman displayed outstanding leadership and professional ability while leading his men against the enemy. Working tirelessly and with faultless attention to detail, he skillfully trained and instructed his men in general military subjects and small unit tactics which greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of his unit. On 17 March 1968, during Operation WORTH, Lieutenant Coleman's platoon made contact with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. He fearlessly moved about the hazardous area deploying his men and directing their fire upon the hostile positions. Observing several wounded men lying in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, he courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and, on two separate occasions, carried casualties to positions of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he began moving toward another injured man and was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courageous and efficient leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Coleman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Military Times Hall of Valor Project

Dear Lt George Coleman,
Thank you for your service as a Basic Infantry Officer. December is almost gone, along with all the preparations. It is the 4th Day of Christmas. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was wounded on that same day 3/17/68. It was on Operation Worth... There were 5000 NVA North Vietnamese Soldiers against 1800 of us Marines, just too much to handle...Semper Fi AMEN Brothers Forever

Since leaving my previous note in rememberance of Lt Coleman I have learned more and have started a PowerPoint presentation on the info I've gathered on your uncle. I know there is more to George's life story than I have found so far. Your dad could provide stories and info that would explain the civilian life that formed George. One of my fears when I started trying to get the full story on Lt Coleman was that this remarkable man may have been forgotten. These fears are set aside after some correspondence with men who fought with Lt Coleman, after seeing that his hometown renamed a park to include his name, and reading your rememberance posting. I'm becoming an old man now but still doing unusually athletic things in great part due to my good luck that a remarkable young man from NJ taught Phys Ed in an unusual way in an old school in OH.