1LT Riley Copeland “R.C.” Gazzaway
R.C. Gazzaway was one of the 997,000 men who served in World War II as well as the Korean War. R.C. served in one of the elite Army units in WWII, the 104th Division, 9th Army – better known as the “Timberwolves” for their ruggedness and tenacity. Then Sgt. Gazzaway exemplified the spirit of the Timberwolves and was awarded ten medals during his service in WWII, three of which were awarded within one month.
On October 26, 1944, Sgt. Gazzaway risked his life to protect and rescue his comrades. He seized a jeep mounted with a 50-caliber machine gun and raced over flat open terrain under steady enemy fire. He stationed himself in an exposed position and turned the machine gun on enemy positions, firing steadily into their midst until his ammunition was exhausted. Using a radio he found on the jeep, he then directed artillery barrages upon the enemy. His outstanding display of courage and valor resulted in the Bronze Star. This story is only one of many when Sgt. Gazzaway risked his life to protect others. In similar circumstances, 2LT Gazzaway was awarded the Silver Star. He was considered one of the outstanding officers in the 104th (Timberwolf) Division of the 9th Army.
Riley Copeland Gazzaway was born May 28, 1918, to George Rankin and Rachel Davis Gazzaway. He was the youngest of eight siblings, growing up between Happy and Canyon. He graduated from Happy High School in 1937. He enlisted in the Army in 1939 from Arkansas, where his wife, Wilma, resided. Their first son, Larry, was born in 1943. Another son, Riley, followed a year later.
Following the end of the war in the European theater, 2LT Gazzaway chose to remain in the Army. The Timberwolf Division was inactivated in 1945, and 2LT Gazzaway was transferred to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Now, 1Lt Gazzaway shipped out to Japan in September 1950. On January 3, 1951, he was inspecting vehicles and pedestrians as a Warrant Officer near a Seoul checkpoint. An armed gunman, hiding in a basket, shot and killed him as he lifted the basket’s lid to inspect its contents. His body was returned to the States and is buried at Happy Cemetery. R.C. was 32 years old.
1Lt Riley Copeland Gazzaway was awarded the following:
The Purple Heart
The Bronze Star
The Silver Star
The Army Good Conduct Medal
The World War II Victory Medal
The National Defense Service Medal
The Korean Service Medal
The United Nations Korea Service Medal
The Republic of Korea War Service Medal
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
The Combat Infantryman Badge
The Marksmanship Badge
The Army Presidential Unit Citation
