The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) George Edward Bruner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 417th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, on 7 February 1945. During preparations for an assault on the Siegfried line across the river from the ruined town of Echternach, Colonel Bruner led his regiment in crossing in assault boats in the face of murderous fire from the enemy, entrenched in pillboxes up and down the slope of the 800-foot hill rising steeply from the German shore. The crossing was made at a time when the Sauer was swollen 20 inched above normal by melting snow. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Bruner, 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.