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 Harvey Van Hoorebeke, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France. On 13 September 1944, his company was attacking the city of *****. Due to the large number of casualties sustained, the second platoon, led by a squad leader had failed to advance after repeated attempts. Captain Van Hoorebeke, going forward in an effort to remedy the situation, found that two enemy machine guns were holding a platoon back. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he went to the front of the platoon and directed fire on the hostile positions until they were silenced. Just as the two guns were knocked out and the situation seemed favorable for an advance, Captain Van Hoorebeke was killed by a sniper. The Gallantry, disregard for personal safety, and unswerving devotion to duty by this officer are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.