The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant George Edward Jerue (MCSN: 0-15495), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Tank Liaison Officer and Commanding Officer of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 May 1945. When friendly tanks were operating in the valley south of Dakeshi Ridge and forward of friendly lines, First Lieutenant Jerue observed intense hostile artillery and mortar fire and troop movements which indicated that a strong counterattack was developing in that zone of action. Since communications with the tanks had been disrupted and it was evident that the unit had not detected the impending counterattack and would be in a perilous situation if not informed, he courageously went forward into the fire-swept valley and, communicating by voice with the tanks, personally directed their fire against the counterattacking Japanese. Later, when the desperate enemy force had virtually reached the right flank of the battalion’s line, First Lieutenant Jerue observed that fire from the friendly tanks was falling dangerously close to our troops and, in the midst of the furious fire fight, again moved forward to direct the tank’s fire. By his personal valor, initiative and aggressive spirit throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.