The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander George Rees Wilson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLHOUN (DD-801), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, on 6 April 1945. When his ship was subjected to a coordinated and determined attack by twelve enemy suicide and dive-bombing planes while on radar picket duty, Commander Wilson directed the accurate anti-aircraft fire of his guns in the destruction of five hostile aircraft and, although his ship was hit by four suicide planes, fought on against repeated savage attacks until no more enemy planes were in the area. Then, in an effort to save his badly crippled vessel, he supervised valiant damage control measures until forced to abandon the sinking ship. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander George Rees Wilson (NSN: 0-71505), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of 17 – 18 August 1943. His ship was a unit of a task group that participated in the interception and routing of an enemy force composed of four destroyers and a large number of landing barges which was endeavoring to reinforce the enemy garrisons in the Vella LaVella-Kolombangara area with troops, supplies and equipment during the night of 17 and 18 August 1943. Lieutenant Commander Wilson’s ship attacked the Japanese force in the face of continuous gun and torpedo fire. As a result of his skillful ship handling and the accurate gun fire by his vessel, he materially contributed to the destruction of two enemy destroyers, damage to a third enemy destroyer and the destruction of four large enemy barges and an undetermined number of smaller ones. By his courage, perseverance and determination he brought his ship through without damage and thereby contributed to the successful routing of the Japanese force. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.