The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] George E. Mercer (ASN: RA-14367260), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 and 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Kach’il-bong, Korea. On these dates, the platoon, of which Sergeant Mercer was a squad leader, was infiltrating the enemy lines in an attempt to secure dominating terrain features in the rear of enemy positions. Under Sergeant Mercer’s outstanding leadership not a man was lost during the infiltration, and he immediately directed the men in setting up a defensive perimeter. When the enemy counterattacked with a numerically superior force, Sergeant Mercer coolly moved about his men, encouraging them and assisting in rendering medical aid to the wounded. During the ensuing action, when a machine gun was put out of action, Sergeant Mercer went to the aid of the gunners and held the advancing enemy off with grenades and rifle fire until the weapon had been repaired. His courageous and outstanding leadership was directly responsible for the successful completion of the unit’s mission, with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Mercer reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.