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 Colonel (Field Artillery) George Arthur Hadsell, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in New Caledonia, in action against the enemy at the Torokina River, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 30 January 1944. Determined to gain first-hand information of problems involved in a coordinated infantry-artillery-land attack in jungle warfare. Colonel Hadsell participated in a combined assault against strongly entrenched Japanese positions. While aggressively advancing with the first wave of tanks and infantry Colonel Hadsell was mortally wounded by an enemy hand grenade. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Hadsell, 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.