Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army (1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1943

For extraordinary heroism in action on the day of 14 July 1943, South of Niscemi, Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham, Commanding 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, in the face of severe hostile artillery fire and counterattack by enemy tanks, rallied his paratroopers to hold their ground. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham personally manned a rocket launcher and destroyed one tank. While attempting to destroy another with hand grenades and a rifle, Lieutenant Colonel Gorham was killed. He stood forth in the forepart of the action, encouraging and inspiring his men to emulate his example, enabling them to hold forth until relieved.

*This is not correct; he was killed on July 12th during an engagement near Piano Lupo, Sicily.

Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army (1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All-American" U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1943

For extraordinary heroism in action 11 July 1943, northeast of Gela, Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham had attached himself to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, when that organization was attacked by about ten enemy tanks and a battalion of infantry. He took his place among about fifty men and officers who were holding a vital hill when the hill was surrounded by the tanks wich fired on the defenders at point-blank range. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham moved from point to point firing at the eyeslit of tanks, shouting encouragement to the men and directing their fire until the counterattack was beaten off. Lieutenant Colonel Gorham’s encouraging presence, intrepid bravery, and coolness under fire were a mighty inspiration to the handful of defenders in this grave situation, and reflect the highest traditions of the military service.

Received this second DSC as an Oak Leaf Cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first. Posthumously awarded.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commander 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army