The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George F. Willett, Jr. (ASN: 0-1310702), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 3 March, 1945. Lieutenant Willett and his platoon had the assignment of securing the fifth, fourth, and third floors, in that order of an important building in Manila. After the building was subjected to direct artillery fire and another company had secured half of the ground floor of the building, Lieutenant Willett personally led his platoon to the fifth floor of the building, overcoming fierce enemy resistance on the stairway. The Japanese had converted the building into a strongpoint and each corridor had sand-bagged machine gun positions and barricades for the enemy rifleman. Through his courageous actions and able leadership in directing his entire platoon and four flame thrower teams, Lieutenant Willett and his men killed at least 30 Japanese, crushed fierce hostile resistance from room to room, and secured the building. 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.