The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George K. Noonan (MCSN: 467446), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. Volunteering to reduce an enemy machine gun position which had been causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance of his company, Private First Class Noonan dashed seventy-five yards through intense hostile machine-gun fire and, placing a demolition charge in the mouth of the cave protecting emplacement. His daring initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.