The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private] George E. Shinnamon (ASN: 13138531), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 7 October 1944, when two enemy machine guns 50 yards away, halted his platoon near Vagney, France, Sergeant Shinnamon borrowed a bazooka, crawled forward 20 yards and knocked out the nearest weapon. Then, while fire from the second machine gun kicked up dirt close to him, he crawled 30 yards to the right and launched a rocket at the emplacement. Upon missing his mark, Sergeant Shinnamon coolly reloaded his bazooka, despite the full fire of the enemy crew, and launched a second round that hit the target. Thus, by destroying two machine guns, killing four Germans, and wounding two, Sergeant Shinnamon enabled his Company to proceed to its objective. 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 Army.