The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant George J. Val (MCSN: 319703), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as member of a Rifle Company serving with the Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on November 24, 1943. When all the officers and many of the men of his company were killed or wounded during an assault on a strongly fortified enemy position, Sergeant Val unhesitatingly assumed command of his platoon and, in the face of devastating hostile machine-gun, grenade and rifle fire, boldly led it in an aggressive attack which resulted in the capture of the Japanese stronghold. A courageous leader and intrepid fighter, he personally destroyed ten of the Japanese during the perilous advance, directly contributing to the defeat of the enemy in that sector. Sergeant Val’s daring initiative and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.