The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) George E. Williams, Jr. (ASN: 0-1292799), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 August 1944, in France. A large scale enemy counteroffensive which had been launched in a desperate attempt to divide American forces in France had succeeded in isolating many groups of soldiers, one of which particularly had been fighting with great determination for many days withstanding several enemy attacks. In an effort to rescue the trapped unit and to recapture important ground, Captain Williams was serving with an infantry force, and given the assignment of directing mortar fire. The mortar fire required extreme accuracy because enemy and friendly forces were closely intermixed. Under these extremely difficult conditions, Captain Williams directed effective fires which succeeded in knocking out two important enemy positions. Throughout the fight, Captain Williams was subjected to severe enemy artillery and mortar fire, but undaunted he continued his mission until the enemy positions were neutralized and the isolated troops were able to rejoin their unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Williams, 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.