The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) George Van Millett, Jr. (ASN: 0-17787), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 6 – 8 June 1944. Having landed by parachute before dawn on D-Day and finding the force badly scattered in the jump, Colonel Millett personally led 4 officers 20 men in effort to accomplish Regiment’s primary mission, the capture of Amferville. After capturing 25 of enemy, neutralizing several machine guns, and capturing two ammunition trucks, being vastly outnumbered his troops disengaged and established defensive positions on the main highway to town. There he finally assembled almost 400 men and held out three days against constant enemy attacks in great strength and under artillery fire, thus denying the enemy the use of this important road to reinforce their attacks on the Merderet River Bridges. His courageous leadership and inspiring fortitude setting enviable example for his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Millett, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.