The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant George Gialas (ASN: 33702538), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 February 1945, in the vicinity of Kleinbittersdorf, Germany. An enemy force of approximately fifty counterattacked while our machine gunners and infantry troops were moving to new defensive positions. Sergeant Gialas ordered his squad to take positions and directed and adjusted the fire of his machine guns effectively without protection from riflemen. His quick thinking and maneuvering placed his squad in a position to do considerable damage to the enemy forces. While engaged in directing his squad, Sergeant Gialas was fatally wounded by shrapnel. His gallant actions and magnificent leadership are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.