The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George W. Rich, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hoengsong, Korea, on 12 February 1951. On this date, Private Rich was with a motorized column, which was halted at an enemy roadblock and subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons fire. When a tank commander requested volunteers to expose themselves to draw enemy fire, Private Rich was the sole respondent. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the fire of an enemy machine gun, enabling the tank to locate and destroy it. The daring and heroic action displayed by Private Rich on this occasion contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.