Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    6th Medium Tank Battalion

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 16, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 146 (April 24, 1952)

    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 Bryant Hittner (ASN: NG-28033814), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 6th Tank Battalion (Medium), 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 16 December 1951. His armored unit was advancing up a narrow valley in support of attacking infantry elements, when his tank was attacked by a number of enemy troops armed with grenades and bangalore torpedoes. Although fully aware of the danger of both the nearby hostile soldiers and the terrific mortar and artillery barrages hitting the immediate area, Sergeant Hittner unhesitatingly exposed himself to stand in the open turret and fire his machine gun at the attacking foot troops. He succeeded in dispersing them, thus saving his vehicle from possible destruction but, in so doing, he was mortally wounded by mortar fragments. Sergeant Hittner’s gallant action, intrepid fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Armor.