(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) George Lafayette Mabry, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Observing that his battalion was pinned down by heavy enemy fire, Captain Mabry moved to the forward elements, organized a group of his men, and personally led them in a successful assault upon the enemy. He was at all times in the forefront of the fight and killed two of the enemy and captured eighteen in hand-to-hand combat. Captain Mabry’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Medal of Honor
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Legion of Merit
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 29 (August 27, 1965)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General George Lafayette Mabry, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1962 to July 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Mabry and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
8th Infantry RegimentDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 1944
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 43 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) George Lafayette Mabry, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division in action against the enemy during the breakthrough at St. Lo, France, in July 1944. Captain Mabry was advancing with a company that was caught in a v-shaped ambush. The Germans held their fire until the Americans were well into the “V”, then opened fire. Captain Mabry set up machine guns, then ran 300 yards through intense enemy fire to direct mortar support for the trapped men. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Lafayette Mabry, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Mabry culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
8th Infantry RegimentDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 20, 1944
War Department, General Orders No. 77, September 1945The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George Lafayette Mabry, Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. Lieutenant Colonel Mabry was commanding the 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, in an attack through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, on 20 November 1944. During the early phases of the assault, the leading elements of his battalion were halted by a minefield and immobilized by heavy hostile fire. Advancing alone into the mined area, Colonel Mabry established a safe route of passage. He then moved ahead of the foremost scouts, personally leading the attack, until confronted by a booby trapped double concertina obstacle. With the assistance of the scouts, he disconnected the explosives and cut a path through the wire. Upon moving through the opening, he observed three enemy in foxholes whom he captured at bayonet point. Driving steadily forward he paced the assault against three log bunkers which housed mutually supported automatic weapons. Racing up a slope ahead of his men, he found the initial bunker deserted, then pushed on to the second where he was suddenly confronted by nine onrushing enemy. Using the butt of his rifle, he felled one adversary and bayoneted a second, before his scouts came to his aid and assisted him in overcoming the others in hand-to-hand combat. Accompanied by the riflemen, he charged the third bunker under pointblank small arms fire and led the way into the fortification from which he prodded six enemy at bayonet point. Following the consolidation of this area, he led his battalion across 300 yards of fire-swept terrain to seize elevated ground upon which he established a defensive position which menaced the enemy on both flanks, and provided his regiment a firm foothold on the approach to the Cologne Plain. Colonel Mabry’s superlative courage, daring, and leadership in an operation of major importance exemplify the finest characteristics of the military service.