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 (Infantry) George D. Pebles (ASN: 0-2007498), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 August 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. Lieutenant Pebles led his rifle platoon in an assault against a numerically superior enemy force which was well-entrenched on a hill and was supported by cross fire from the high ground to its flanks. Skillfully directing his men, he led them to within 30 yards of the objective where the platoon was halted by a large volume of fire and was pinned down. With complete indifference for his personal safety, he exposed himself to the withering hostile fire as he moved about his platoon’s position, directing the fire of his men. In the fierce action he killed an enemy machine gun crew of three with an automatic burst from h is carbine and was wounded by grenade fragments. He then reorganized the platoon, which was unable to advance in the face of the superior enemy fire power and, despite his wounds, supervised an orderly withdrawal which was effected with minimum losses. The gallantry and skilled leadership displayed by Lieutenant Pebles reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.