The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant George Reid Earnest (MCSN: 0-49337), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 9 December 1950. When his company commander became a casualty during an assault against strong hostile positions south of Koto-ri, First Lieutenant Earnest immediately assumed command and, with his troops reduced by casualties to approximately seventy percent of their original fighting strength, effected a reorganization and proceeded with the mission of securing two more ridges to the front which were heavily defended by enemy forces in well dug in positions. Although pinned down by machine-gun and other automatic weapons fire during the action, he personally led the assault elements, inspiring his men and directing their advance in overrunning and securing the objectives. With elements of his company again hit by automatic weapons fire from the flank, he quickly organized a small force and led a brilliantly executed attack against the position. By his forceful and determined leadership, in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Earnest contributed materially to the accomplishment of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.