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 (Infantry) George S. Peck, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 31 January 1944. Under steady enemy mortar and small arms fire, with bullets striking but inches from him, Lieutenant Peck observed and directed the fire of his Infantry platoon and supporting weapons. During the battle, one of his men was seriously wounded on flat, exposed terrain. Seeing the man would be unable to get to cover unaided, Lieutenant Peck crawled forward to assist him. Before reaching the man, however, he was wounded in both arms by shell fragments. Before being evacuated he issued complete orders to his reinforced platoon to prepare a strong defensive position and turned over command to his sergeant. Second Lieutenant Peck’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.