Coal Miner's Son

Ed Gekosky joined Company G on Fiji, late in 1943. He hailed from Pennsylvania, and was the son of a coal minter. He was assigned to the 2nd Platoon, "Roy's Raiders." He enjoyed sports, and was an easy going man.

Hill 260

Gekosky was awarded a Bronze Star in the failed Company G offensive to retake Hill 260 on March 11. He not only provided accurate fire with his rifle, but took command of his squad when their leader was killed.

Oak Leaf Cluster

Gekosky was awarded a second Bronze Star (displayed on his uniform as an Oak Leaf Cluster) for actions during the October 1944 offensive on Bougainville.

Gekosky was one of the men seen in the "Last of the Gallant 43" photo that made the rounds in American newspapers late in the war. He survived the campaigns in the Philippines, and accompanied the unit to Japan, where among other activities, he organized baseball games.

After the war, Gekosky returned home to Pennsylvania. He passed away in 1970.