The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] George L. Peter (ASN: 36616689), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, on 16 September 1944, near Casal, Italy. A squad led by Technical Sergeant Peter, while advancing over a bare exposed area, was suddenly subjected to intense machine gun, sniper and mortar fire from commanding enemy positions on the hill to their front. Technical Sergeant Peter was wounded by a fragment from a mortar shell and his squad was forced to seek cover. Disregarding his own safety and the intense pain from his wound, he ordered his men to take cover in a small draw to the left while he remained behind to cover the withdrawal. As the men withdrew, Technical Sergeant Peter kept up a continuous fire on the enemy positions causing some to cease fire and diverting their attention sufficiently to allow his men to run for the draw. Four men were wounded while making this withdrawal. Courageously refusing to seek cover, he remained at his exposed position drawing fire on himself until the wounded could be evacuated. When Technical Sergeant Peter was finally able to return to his men, he refused medical aid and remained with his men skillfully directing their fire and helping to repel four counterattacks. His gallant act was responsible for saving many lives and materially aided in the eventual successful attack on key positions. Technical Sergeant Peter’s gallantry, coolness under fire and unselfish devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.