The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain George C. DeFabio (MCSN: 0-13667), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and Division Leader temporarily attached to Air Group EIGHTY-TWO on board the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 19 March 1945. Assigned to cover operations during a powerful strike against Japanese Fleet units, Captain DeFabio sighted a vastly outnumbering force of hostile aircraft while en route to the target area and, immediately leading his division in furious counterattack despite the tremendous odds, braved a withering barrage of hostile antiaircraft fire to press home a vigorous attack which resulted in the destruction of nine enemy planes and the damaging of seven others. Boldly continuing the fierce engagement, he repeatedly struck with determined aggressiveness as he fought off hostile aircraft intent upon destroying the damaged planes of his squadron teammates and aided in the rescue of one pilot and the safe return to base of all but two of the original strike group. By his brilliant leadership and daring combat tactics, Captain DeFabio contributed materially to the success of his squadron in this hazardous mission and his great personal valor in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.