The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), [then Third Lieutenant] George A. Ortega, Philippine Scouts, for gallantry in action on the Moron-Bagne Road on 3 February 1942. When numerically superior enemy forces threatened to encircle the 1st Regular Division, Philippine Army, Lieutenant Ortega and a special detachment blazed a trail through a gap between the Japanese forces and the sea. He organized the remnants of troops in the area and led a spirited attack against the enemy who were attempting to close the gap. Under heavy enemy fire and with complete disregard for his safety, he directed the fire against enemy mortar and automatic weapons and encouraged the men to hold their positions against fierce enemy assaults. The enemy attack was broken and the withdrawal gap secured. Through his marked heroism, initiative, and leadership, Lieutenant Ortega contributed materially to the heroic defense of the Philippines.