The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant George J. Murphy (ASN: 35386084), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, near Kehmen, Luxembourg, Staff Sergeant Murphy, a battalion reconnaissance sergeant, observed an enemy flanking movement and of his own volition crawled forward to warn the commanders of the endangered companies. He then organized a group of soldiers and placed them to protect an exposed flank and assumed command of one rifle company whose commander had been evacuated. Refusing to return to his company, Staff Sergeant Murphy, in spite of intense small arms and mortar fire, crawled forward to the Battalion Observation Post to give the commander a clear picture of the situation. His courage, leadership, and constant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.