The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) George West (ASN: 0-1287976), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 February 1945. A group of his men had become isolated in a dangerous position on a small enemy-held island in the Pasig River. Three of these men had attempted to swim to shore to bring information which would enable the company to provide supporting mortar fire for the group remaining on the island, and two of these had been killed by enemy machine gun fire while in the wat er. By nightfall it was deemed imperative to remove the remaining men, all of whom were wounded, before they were killed or captured. Captain West volunteered to attempt the rescue himself. He stripped off his clothing, covered himself with oil and fastened one end of a towline to a belt around his waist. He left his carbine and knife behind, lest they hamper his progress. Lowering himself into the water, he cautiously began swimming toward his beleaguered men. When in midstream he was detected and fired upon by the enemy, but was able to reach the island safely. Pulling himself up over the retaining wall, he crossed an open space and located his men. Returning to the wall, he drew in the towline, the far end of which was secured to a small boat. Placing his men in the boat, he started to swim to the opposite shore with the towline still fastened to his belt. Halfway across the line snagged, and he retraced his course fare enough to tell his men they must paddle the boat across the stream. Just as they neared safety, an enemy machine gun opened fire and killed three of them. The others were landed safely. Through his outstanding heroism in swimming alone and unarmed to an enemy strongpoint and rescuing beleaguered soldiers under enemy fire, Captain West proved himself worth of the highest traditions of the Military Service.

Captain West’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.