The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant George W. Coleman (MCSN: 0-103411), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, from 4 January to 17 March 1968. Participating in several major combat operations and numerous small unit operations, Lieutenant Coleman displayed outstanding leadership and professional ability while leading his men against the enemy. Working tirelessly and with faultless attention to detail, he skillfully trained and instructed his men in general military subjects and small unit tactics which greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of his unit. On 17 March 1968, during Operation WORTH, Lieutenant Coleman’s platoon made contact with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force and sustained several casualties. He fearlessly moved about the hazardous area deploying his men and directing their fire upon the hostile positions. Observing several wounded men lying in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, he courageously maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain and, on two separate occasions, carried casualties to positions of relative safety. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he began moving toward another injured man and was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courageous and efficient leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Coleman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.