The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Armor) George R. Von Halban (ASN: 0-1031529), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 May 1951, in the vicinity of Puchohyon, Korea. Major Von Halban was commander of a tank task force whose mission was to attack across the Soyang River to secure a bridgehead and an airstrip on the other side. Due to heavy rains, all markings of a previous crossing of the river had vanished. Major Von Halban commanding the lead tank, dismounted under a heavy hail of enemy fire to locate a suitable site for the armor force to cross the river. When the tanks started to ford the river, his radio set failed. Without communications it was necessary for him to proceed from one tank to another while subjected to heavy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire to direct tank fire on the enemy. After all the tanks were across the river, Major Von Halban spotted an enemy supply train of 33 vehicles attempting to evacuate the battle area. He deployed his tanks and directed fire in such a manner as to destroy the enemy supply train. When the fight had subsided, a count revealed 200 enemy soldiers dead. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Major Von Halban reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Armor) George R. Von Halban (ASN: 0-1031529), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Putchaetul, Korea. Major Von Halban was placed in command of a Task Force with the mission to establish a blocking position to permit friendly troops which were under heavy enemy pressure, to withdraw. The Task Force was in continuous fighting with the enemy for a period of 14 hours. Great masses of the enemy attempted to infiltrate and penetrate the Task Force positions in order to deprive friendly forces of the use of the road and also entrap many units of the United Nations Forces. Under Major Von Halban’s spirited and aggressive leadership the Task Force held its positions under repeated heavy enemy attacks and inflicted 1,200 casualties upon the enemy. His tireless efforts to improve his defensive positions and finally his brilliant extrication of his forces made his mission a complete success. Major Von Halban personally killed three of the enemy, and was the last man to leave the perimeter, after he personally assured himself that all his troops were safely withdrawn. During this action Major Von Halban constantly exposed himself to heavy enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire in order to more accurately and successfully view the situation and to adjust his forces accordingly. Major Von Halban’s aggressiveness and personal bravery were a great inspiration to his command and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.