The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George W. Flager (ASN: 0-1180496), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 June 1944, in the vicinity of La Vielle, in Normandy, France. Second Lieutenant Flager as in a forward position with an infantry battalion directing fire that covered the withdrawal of our troops, when they were subjected to a strong counterattack. In spite of this attack, Second Lieutenant Flager refused to withdraw his observation team until the enemy entered into the same field. Only then did he withdraw his team while under direct small arms fire from the enemy. This he accomplished without the loss of a single man or any equipment. As a result of this action, the entire battalion placed accurate artillery fire that broke the enemy attack and enabled the Infantry to restore the position and continue the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Flager, 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.