Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 179 (March 31, 1952)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant George J. Yatkauskas (ASN: RA-42051020), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Worun-ni, Korea. On that date, Company C, while assaulting enemy hill positions, was temporarily halted by hostile fire coming from two emplacements. After heavy weapons fire had been employed against these positions, the friendly forces were ordered to by-pass them and continue the advance. Sergeant Yatkauskas, acting as Platoon Leader of the assault platoon, exhibited great courage and resourcefulness in leading his platoon past these hostile positions and directing his unit in the eventual successful assault of the hill. When his platoon was brought under attack by enemy grenade fire, he personally led a small group of men to positions where the hostile troops could be effectively fired upon, thus enabling the rest of the unit to continue to its destination. It was largely through his aggressive leadership that the mission was successfully accomplished with a minimum of friendly casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Yatkauskas reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.