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 R. Egan (ASN: 33246860), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in action on 20 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Private First Class Egan, BAR Gunner, sighted an enemy patrol advancing toward his position. Allowing the patrol to approach within ten yards, he stood up and ordered them to surrender. In the ensuing firefight, Private First Class Egan killed eight of the enemy. Later realizing that the enemy were trying to flank the position on the right, he moved to that flank and again engaged the enemy. When the position became untenable and the order was received to withdraw, Private First Class Egan remained in position and covered the withdrawal. When his platoon reached the new position approximately two hundred yards distant, he then withdrew, firing as he moved. As a result of his action, eleven enemy were killed and eleven captured, and the platoon was able to withdraw without the loss of a single casualty. His courage and coolness under fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Airborne Forces.