The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George T. O’Connell (ASN: 0-357272), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 11 September 1944. Colonel O’Connell led the 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment in an assault crossing of the **** River on 11 September 1944, in the face of heavy enemy fire of all types. He accompanied leading elements of the battalion across the river and moved along the enemy shore line with utter disregard for personal safety, establishing security positions and directing fire and movement of rifle teams. He then established an observation post in a position which afforded little cover from direct enemy fire, supervised movement of additional troops across the river and directed artillery fire upon enemy gun positions. Colonel O’Connell’s dynamic and intrepid leadership inspired the troops under his command to their best efforts and was directly responsible for the outstanding success of the assault crossing, the rout of the enemy from prepared positions on high ground commanding the **** River Valley, and the establishment of a strong bridgehead across the river. His gallant actions reflect credit upon his ability as a leader of men, and are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.