The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant George Henry Keil (ASN: 13055946), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Manila, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. Sergeant Keil was a squad leader in an infantry company charged with capturing a concrete paver plant building on Provisor Island, a small plot of land covered with buildings and completely surrounded by estuaries of the Pasig River. After fighting for four hours against a numerically superior enemy, they were driven from the building and dug in behind a coal pile near its entrance. The enemy, supported by fire from atop the structure, then attempted to outflank the group on both sides, and offered a serious threat to the assault troops. Every man in the group had been wounded or killed. Two soldiers had volunteered to swim for aid, but were killed in the attempt. Sergeant Keil, wounded in the leg, and fully aware of the fate of the other two men, twice asked permission to attempt to secure aid and was refused by his platoon leader. However, when oil barrels were set on fire causing considerable smoke, permission was given and he successfully swam to the opposite bank, reported to his company commander, and suggested an employment of mortars and machine guns which enabled the group on the island to hold out until the eight who remained were withdrawn by boat. Sergeant Keil, through his extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger and his impressive coolness under fire, was largely responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.