The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George A. Colson, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while Commanding the Armed Guard aboard the S.S. WILLIAM GERHARD during repeated attacks by enemy aircraft en route from Oran to Palmero, August 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Colson directed the blasting of three planes from the sky while the ship went through a hail of bombs and torpedoes. His courage and skill enabled the ship to survive a hazardous voyage with negligible damage. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.