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 Wilson Power (ASN: 0-18691), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 247th Field Artillery Battalion, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy at Cebu, Philippine Islands, in 1945. On several occasions Lieutenant Colonel Power subjected himself to intense enemy fire in order to gain firsthand knowledge of the terrain and thus select better positions for his weapons. While personally conducting a fire mission from a front line observation post, his accurate sensings aided materially in leveling a strong Japanese fortification. The effective support given the Infantry by his battalion was instrumental in the final success of the operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Power, 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.