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 A. Burns (ASN: 0-598852), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 9 January 1945, when his battalion was cut off by enemy tanks and infantry at Hatten, France, Captain Burns seized a quarter ton vehicle, made a break through the barrage and proceeded to his regimental commander under severe enemy fire in order to obtain assistance for his battalion. Returning to his battalion with word from his regimental commander, he again left the battalion to obtain anti-tank ammunition, which he brought back to the battalion, and again made his way through heavy fire to furnish necessary information to his regimental commander.