The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George J. Racine (ASN: 0-1013889), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of Chartres, France, on 28 August 1944. During the night attack on Chartres, First Lieutenant Racine was serving as platoon leader, riding in the third tank of the column. The enemy forces were strongly emplaced in innumerable concealed positions throughout the city, and had the outstanding advantage of observation from the lofty Cathedral Towers which the Allied Armies had orders not to destroy. Fire from close-range bazookas and anti-tank mines killed the company commander in the lead tank and knocked out the second vehicle. Without hesitation First Lieutenant Racine took over command of the column and led it through heavy fire to the center of town. Enemy volleys wrecked a half-track in the column, cutting off the second and third platoons. Receiving word by radio of their plight, Lieutenant Racine unhesitatingly stopped his tank, stepped out into the fire-swept street signaling his location with a flashlight. Later, ignoring the cross-fire of machine guns from the many windows which faced the street, he made his way back to the enemy-infested square. Quickly he cleared away the shattered half-track, reformed the disorganized column and led the company out of the town. Taking over the unit, Lieutenant Racine instilled new confidence into the men, and rallied them for a dawn attack. By his outstanding leadership and unremitting courage, First Lieutenant Racine saved the column from catastrophic defeat and gained for himself the unrestrained admiration of his men. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George J. Racine (ASN: 0-1013889), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of Epernay, France, on 15 August 1944. While leading his column in the attack on Epernay, First Lieutenant Racine’s company came under concentrated artillery and mortar fire which disabled two tanks and killed two officers . Ignoring the continuing volleys from mortars and snipers, Lieutenant Racine located an observation post from which he was able to bring fire of his tanks on the hostile artillery. After eleven hostile weapons were silenced, a direct hit knocked out one of his company’s tanks killing the driver and wounding the remainder of the crew. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Racine sprang to the aid of the trapped men. After unsuccessfully trying to evacuate them through the forward hatch, Lieutenant Racine climbed over the dead driver and unlocked the turret. Then, under heavy artillery and mortar fire he rescued the wounded men and carried them to positions of safety. First Lieutenant Racine’s gallant leadership and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Armored Division, and the United States Army.