The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major George Gerald Clausen (AFSN: FR-24929), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Pilot with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action on 2 September 1967, over North Vietnam. On that date, major Clausen was the Force Commander leading a strike force of twenty aircraft against a heavily defended rail yard, located thirty-three miles northeast of Hanoi. In spite of extremely adverse weather, intense anti-aircraft fire and a barrage of fourteen surface-to-air missiles, Major Clausen led his force on the attack, resulting in the destruction of numerous pieces of rolling stock and severe damage inflicted on the rail yard. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Clausen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.