The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant George H. Paine (ASN: RA-11163980), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Paine distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Koto-ri, in the vicinity of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir in North Korea, on 30 November 1950. Sergeant Paine was with the leading element of the 2d Battalion moving north to link up with friendly units when the column was attacked by enemy who were entrenched and concentrated on high ground along the route of advance. Sergeant Paine located several enemy positions on a hillside from which automatic-weapons and small-arms were firing. Bravely and without regard for his own personal safety, he advanced alone against these positions, exposing himself to draw their fire from other elements of the column who were regrouping to make an attack. In his advance, he neutralized two enemy automatic weapons, permitting friendly troops to advance without casualties. Joining the attacking troops of the battalion, he assisted in driving the enemy from their positions around the hilltop. During this action Sergeant Paine was mortally wounded while fiercely resisting enemy forces counterattacking in an attempt to retain the hilltop. This counterattack was repulsed with heavy loss of enemy personnel. The courageous actions of Sergeant Paine were an inspiration to his comrades and enabled the battalion to complete its mission. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Paine on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.