The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant George W. Waters, III (MCSN: 280436), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, in action while serving with the THIRD Marine Division operating against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on December 13, 1943. Courageously leading his squad as advance patrol for a rifle company engaged in penetrating enemy infested territory, Sergeant Waters proceeded to within fifteen feet of a Japanese machine gun nest before he was halted by a volley of bitter fire from the hostile emplacement. Although seriously injured in both legs, he crawled to the side of a wounded companion under a withering barrage from enemy automatic weapons and skillfully administered first aid, subsequently working his way back to his own lines with valuable information concerning Japanese troop positions. By his fearless determination and resolute devotion to duty, Sergeant Waters contributed greatly to the success of our forces in this vital area and his gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.