The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private George W. Ward (MCSN: 358755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. During a heavy Japanese counter attack launched at night, Private Ward, disdaining the intense rifle and grenade fire of a numerically superior hostile force, courageously rushed the enemy with an automatic rifle, thereby contributing materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy counter attack. The valor of his act and his complete disregard for his own personal safety were an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.