The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George M. Rowe (MCSN: 335270), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 7 May 1945. When his platoon sustained heavy casualties while securing part of an enemy-held ridge and stretcher-bearers were unable to evacuate the wounded because of the intensity of the hostile fire, Private First Class Rowe volunteered to reconnoiter for a covered route of approach for the stretcher-bearers. Carrying out this mission under heavy enemy small-arms fire, he succeeded in finding a safe means of approach and investigated all locations from which the enemy might possibly ambush a rescue party. In a constantly exposed position, he personally led the group in evacuating eight of his comrades at the head of the column. His outstanding initiative and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.