The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private George L. Bean (ASN: 13031187), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943, about five miles south of ****. Private Bean participated in an attack against a company of German Infantry and after the fierce fight that ensued drove the opposition from their positions on a hill. Before they could fully reorganize, the Germans counter-attacked with the support of four **** tanks. During this action Private Bean fired his rifle at tanks until they were approximately twelve yards from his position, then exposed himself by standing up in his slit trench and threw four grenades at the tracks of the tanks, causing them to veer, and preventing accurate fire on his small group. He continued the fight despite the fact that he had only small arms and grenades against cannon and heavy machine guns. Two of the enemy tanks were knocked out and the rest of the enemy withdrew. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.