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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 George B. Adkins (ASN: 20362515), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 and 2 October 1944 near ****, Holland. Private Adkins, Company Aidman, attached to Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during an enemy attack on an important roadblock, rescued two wounded men under extremely hazardous conditions. During a fire fight two men defending a road block were badly wounded and lay in full view of the enemy. Private Adkins left his covered position and crawled directly into a mortar barrage to the wounded men. Under enemy fire he administered first aid and then, unmindful of his own safety and still under enemy fire, he carried the men, one at a time, back to a covered position. As a direct result of this action the lives of two of his comrades were saved. The devotion to duty under extreme combat conditions displayed by Private Adkins reflects credit on the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (France)

    Action Date:

    June 1944

    Technician Fourth Grade George B. Adkins (ASN: 20362515), United States Army, was captured by German forces during fighting in Normandy, France, on or about 6 June 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until he persuaded the enemy commander to surrender to American forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    June 6 – 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 109 (July 16, 1945)

    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 Technician Fourth Grade George B. Adkins (ASN: 20362515), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action 6 – 8 June 1944, in ****, France. Technician Fourth Grade Adkins, Medical Aid Man, having landed by parachute near ****, nine miles from his drop zone, was captured with four companions by a German artillery unit which was suffering heavy casualties from a United States Naval barrage. Regardless of the danger, he treated wounded comrades and enemy alike, meanwhile trying to persuade the artillery commander to surrender. When this officer was seriously wounded, Technician Fourth Grade Adkins rescued him and treated his fractures and wounds with great skill. Impressed by the paratrooper’s humanity and reasoning, the German officer agreed to surrender. Technician Fourth Grade Adkins went down to the beach under a white flag and arranged with friendly troops to take over his forty-four prisoners and the artillery position, then recovered the medical equipment from a parachute bundle, salvaged a jeep from a wrecked glider and rejoined his unit near ****. Technician Fourth Grade Adkins’ courage, skill, initiative and sincere devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the United States Airborne Forces.