The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class George William Head, United States Navy, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving on board the U.S.S. Quail (AM-15), during the period 8 December 1941 to 6 May 1942. Throughout this period Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Head kept the crew of the U.S.S. Quail in excellent health, mostly in an independent duty status as there was no regular medical officer assigned to the unit to which that vessel was attached. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Head contributed greatly to their morale, encouraging the brave to perform their duties efficiently under severe enemy air and artillery attacks. In the final stages of the siege of Corregidor, he was many times called upon for additional duties ashore, aiding the medical officers in the forts in caring for the wounded. On one occasion at Fort Hughes, near the last hours before surrender, he took complete charge of the first-aid and preliminary treatment of badly injured men, due to the medical officers themselves being injured. When about to be captured by the enemy, he voluntarily chose to attempt to escape, even though it was explained to him that it was extremely dangerous for him to do so. In attendance upon the 15 other men and two officers in a small boat on a 2,000-mile journey over a period of 31 days, he not only kept all members in good health, without a single instance of serious illness, but he also acted as dietician, inspected and treated all fresh water and food, and was at all times an asset to morale. By his own foresight, he brought a plentiful supply of medical equipment and supplies on this trip. He frequently and successfully administered first-aid treatment to natives of islands visited and by this means and by means of his personality, invariably effected friendly relations with suspicious natives, thereby greatly contributing to the successful outcome of the voyage. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.