The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) George R. Mankin (ASN: 0-550509), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 February 1945, in the vicinity of Neunkirch, France. Lieutenant Mankin was wounded while leading his platoon in a flanking movement in the face of machine gun and grenade fire but remained at the head of his platoon for ten and one-half hours until his objectives were taken and he had organized defensive positions. His determination, despite his wound was a source of inspiration to those under his command and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.