The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant George J. Dondelinger (ASN: 20726393), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 October 1944. During the course of the advance of his organization with the mission of capturing the town of ****, Sergeant Dondelinger’s platoon was pinned down by intense fire from a machine gun emplaced on high ground to the front. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to neutralize this enemy position. Upon his own initiative and under heavy fire, Sergeant Dondelinger led a patrol of four men against the enemy weapon. Upon approaching the enemy position, Sergeant Dondelinger drew enemy fire upon himself by exposing himself on the flank of the position, while he directed the other members of the patrol around the opposite flank. His gallant efforts enabled his comrades to outflank and destroy the enemy gun position which had impeded the advance of his platoon. Sergeant Dondelinger has been missing in action since this engagement. His courage, leadership, devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety constitute such gallantry in action as to be in accord with the military traditions of the United States.