(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) George Gray O’Connor (ASN: 0-21088), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 53d Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Munoz, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1944 and 1945. During heavy fighting, Lieutenant Colonel O’Connor deployed and personally directed the fire of his howitzers to repel a Japanese tank attack. Under heavy fire, he rallied and reorganized the survivors of a crew whose piece had received a direct hit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel O’Connor, 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.