The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private George P. Kocotis (ASN: 33582952), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 August 1944, in France. Private Kocotis was assigned to duty with an infantry organization and was serving as a radio operator during a ferocious firefight with enemy troops. During a surprise counterthrust launched by the enemy, Private Kocotis waws completely surrounded and pinned down by enemy fire. Displaying great personal courage, Private Kocotis, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to his radio and destroyed it to prevent its capture by the enemy. Taking an automatic rifle, Private Kocotis entered an aggressive fight with the surrounding enemy and in the bitter struggle which followed, he killed many of the enemy, captured eight prisoners, and as a result of his daring, the enemy counterattack was repulsed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Kocotis, 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.