The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) George Covington Fugate (ASN: 0-1286818), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 13 June 1944. Captain Fugate was Commander of Company C, which was the leading unit in an attack on a strategic enemy-held hill. When his two forward platoons were caught in the sweeping cross-fire of six enemy machineguns, he unhesitatingly faced the intense fire to reach the leading element. He found his men pinned to the ground in an open field, unable to move. Aware that in their present location of the life of every man was imperiled, he directed the platoons forward toward a draw at the edge of the field. Constantly urging them on and encouraging them by his own bravery, he moved his men to the comparative safety of the draw, thus preventing the heavy casualties which would have resulted from remaining in the open field. He skillfully and speedily reorganized his unit and, during the night, let his men in taking their objective. Captain Fugate’s 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.