[1] Gehring was born in Brooklyn, New York, and as a young man was admitted to the Congregation of the Mission, more commonly called the Vincentian Fathers.
[2] The citation read: for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services... during the early months of the campaign against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal... from September 26, 1942...
Voluntarily making three hazardous expeditions through enemy-occupied territory, Chaplain Gehring, aided by native scouts, evacuated missionaries trapped on the island.
In addition to his routine duties, he frequently visited the front lines and was a constant source of encouragement to the Marine and Army units under continual attack by the enemy.
Brave under fire, cheerful in the face of discouragement, and tireless in his devotion to duty, Chaplain Gehring lifted the morale of our men to an exceptional degree.