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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) George D. Lionberger (ASN: 0-1332385), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kongdong, Korea. On that date, as the 3d Battalion was attacking Hill 867, the assaulting companies were pinned down by murderous enemy fire, suffering numerous casualties. Company L was ordered to flanking positions in order to make an immediate attack in an endeavor to take the pressure from the other friendly units. Lieutenant Lionberger, who was Platoon Leader of the Assault Platoon, led his men in the attack. Their progress, however, was very slow due to the treacherous, steep, rocky slope over which they were forced to advance. Realizing that the speed was a vital factor in order to conduct this surprise attack, Lieutenant Lionberger continually encouraged his men and pressed them forward. As the platoon neared its objective, they came under devastating artillery, automatic weapons, and small-arms fire, which halted their progress. It was during this heroic action that Lieutenant Lionberger was seriously wounded by enemy artillery fire. Disregarding the intense pain and profuse bleeding caused by the wound in his left shoulder, he continued to rally his platoon forward until he was ordered to halt the attack within 200 yards of the objective, due to night fall and poor visibility. Refusing evacuation, Lieutenant Lionberger, despite increasing weakness due to loss of blood, chose to remain with his platoon, in order to assure himself of the safety and security of his men. It was during this defensive organization of his platoon and Company L that Lieutenant Lionberger was mortally wounded by a deadly hail of enemy artillery and mortar fire. The courage and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Lionberger will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.