Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

S-3 Officer, HQ, 760th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides", U.S. Army

Andrew R. Cheek, O-365329, Major, 760th Tank Battalion. For gallantry in action on 6 January 1944, in the vicinity of Mt. Porchia, Italy. During operations in this sector a tank caught fire as a result of a hit by an enemy shell, causing a serious traffic tie-up. Leaving their place of safety, Major Cheek, Corporal Scanlon, and Private First Class McPeek rushed to the burning tank, and in spite of the imminent danger of the fuel tank exploding, they extinguished the fire. Their quick action saved the tank from almost certain destruction and made it possible to move tanks along the highway at a time when their employment was essential to the successful completion of the operation against Mt. Porchia. The heroic action of Major Cheek, Corporal Scanlon, and Private First Class McPeek was an inspiration to all who witnessed it, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Executive Officer, HQ, 760th Tank Battalion, II Corps, Fifth Army, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 8th, 1944

Andrew R. Cheek, (O-365329), Major, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, from 14 to 26 May 1944. During operations from the fall of Santa Maria, Italy, until he was wounded, Major Cheek took active leadership in all the major fights of elements of his battalion. Always at the front of the attack, he made numerous reconnaissances on foot to front line infantry units and beyond, selecting routes of advance and making plans for the employment of armor. On several occasions he directed the use of artillery and the movement of tanks from exposed positions well in advance of the infantry. In the vicinity of Priverno, Italy, although wounded and temporarily blinded by a rock propelled by a shell burst, he continued to direct fire at an enemy yank and suspected enemy tank positions. Later, he was wounded again when his tank was hit and penetrated. Assisting one of the crew members from the disabled tank, Major Cheek, although bleeding freely from his wounds, rendered first aid to two soldiers and carried one of them to a spot protected from enemy sniper fire. Assisted by one of his tank crew members, Major Cheek carried the more seriously wounded soldier more than one-quarter mile, but became too weak to transport his burden further. Proceeding alone, he obtained the assistance of a civilian who aided in removing the seriously wounded soldier to a house. Despite the growing severity of his own wounds, Major Cheek returned to friendly lines. Contacting his own unit, he dispatched a party to evacuate one of the casualties while he returned in a tank to evacuate two others to an infantry aid station. Major Cheek, although suffering shock from loss of blood, continued to the rear to report the situation before receiving treatment for himself. Receiving plasma to alleviate the shock, he insisted on giving a complete report to the battalion commander before permitting himself to be evacuated to a hospital. Major Cheek’s dauntless courage and indomitable devotion to duty reflect the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States, Entered military service from Stockdale, Texas.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 133 (8 August 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Executive Officer, HQ, 760th Tank Battalion, II Corps, Fifth Army, U.S. Army

For wounds received in action on 12 May 1944 in Italy.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)