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 Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) George N. Hartwell (ASN: 0-242333), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company E, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 November 1944 in France. The 2d Battalion was assigned the mission of attacking through a strategically important pass and forcing an entry into the plain below. The organization launched its assault at midnight, with Company E in the lead. Captain Hartwell, commanding Company E, found control so difficult in the complete darkness that it was necessary for him to lead the first scout and, at the same time, to act as liaison officer, supervising the movement of the supporting tanks. As he moved aggressively down the road, enemy soldiers were often driven from their fighting holes at the point of a bayonet; and, in the hand-to-hand fighting, several prisoners were taken. By going from man to man to insure coordination and returning to the tanks to insure adequate support, Captain Hartwell was largely responsible for the progress of the attack. In spite of rain, which made the advance difficult, and heavy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, which threatened to delay the assault, he pressed determinedly forward, always at the head of his company, and succeeded in driving the enemy back, killing and capturing those who remained to fight. Early in the morning, after clearing several hundred yards of hostile positions along the main road, Captain Hartwell was seriously wounded by enemy antitank fire. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.