The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] George Russell Cole, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving the 2d Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division. On 21 March 1945, at 1400 Hours, near Saarbrucken, Germany, Colonel Cole supervised and participated in the assault against firmly-emplaced German troops on high ground. When the Battalion Commander had been wounded and evacuated in the fierce fighting, the line began to waver uncertainly in the face of the enemy fire. Colonel Cole became alert to the situation and, walking up-right among the men oblivious of personal danger, he encouraged them to move on. Under his leadership and affected by his determination, the troops re-organized and overcame the enemy position. Although hostile bullets came close and shells landed near-by, once obscuring his view, Colonel Cole continued to scorn shelter and shout advice to the men until the enemy were driven back. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.