The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) George Melochick (ASN: 0-1312697), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 25 February 1945. When the assault platoon of Company B, *** Infantry Regiment, ran into a heavily mined section, and was subjected to concentrated mortar fire during the course of an attack against ****, Germany, Captain Melochick, Commanding Company B, immediately went forward and assumed command of the platoon, whose leader had become a casualty. Upon learning that the radio operator had been wounded, and his radio destroyed, Captain Melochick personally secured another radio rather than ask one of his men to traverse the mined area. Upon his return he rallied the troops who had become disorganized, and led them forward. He was rendered unconscious by the near burst of a mortar shell., but, upon regaining consciousness, refused evacuation and led his troops on to their objective. His gallant actions reflect credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.