The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George J. Hess, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Buna, New Guinea, on 25 and 26 December 1942. At great risk, First Lieutenant Hess led a patrol of ten men through an almost impossible swamp, where a platoon had previously been repulsed, and seized and held a position between two strong enemy emplacements which were holding up our advance. Under intense enemy small arms and automatic fire he held this position during the afternoon and night. On the following day our troops pushed through the swamp and from the position he had secured, attacked and reduced both enemy positions. His daring leadership and high courage made possible the reduction of the enemy right flank and the eventual overwhelming of the entire enemy line. 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.