The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel George Arthur Sarles (MCSN: 0-4684), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a Medium Bomb Squadron in Marine Bombing Squadron SIX HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-611), in action against enemy Japanese forces occupying Malabang Town, on the island of Mindanao, in the Philippines, 7 April 1945. Aggressive and determined while leading his flight of medium bombers in a devastating low-level attack upon the enemy concentrations in the town, Lieutenant Colonel Sarles boldly landed his plane on an extremely dangerous airstrip within easy range of Japanese small-arms fire. Immediately making contact with Guerilla leaders, Lieutenant Colonel Sarles obtained the vital information concerning hostile dispositions which enabled him to execute vigorous strafing runs and to lead other planes in strikes against Japanese strong points, thereby contributing greatly to the annihilation of the enemy garrison in Malabang Town,. By his expert airmanship, courageous leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, Lieutenant Colonel Sarles served as an inspiration to his men, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.