George D. Lamm

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) George D. Lamm (ASN: 1287020), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 24 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Lamm, Platoon Leader, displayed rare courage and initiative when a combined enemy assault across the Salm River near ****, Belgium, overran his position. To disengage his platoon, First Lieutenant Lamm moved through fire-swept positions, personally informing his men of his plans, regrouped his platoon and led them through the enemy positions. First Lieutenant Lamm’s coolness under fire, his aggressiveness, and his conduct enabled his platoon to successfully act as a covering force. They withdrew with minimum casualties under very hazardous circumstances. First Lieutenant Lamm’s courage and leadership reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.

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 D. Lamm (ASN: 1287020), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 17 – 18 September 1944, at ****, Holland. First Lieutenant Lamm, Platoon Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, demonstrated high courage when enemy mobile troops moving into **** stopped our advance toward the bridge crossing the Waal River in the city. Machine guns and 20-mm. cannons covered the principal streets. When the two leading platoons of his company were blocked by enemy fire, First Lieutenant Lamm brought his platoon forward and passed through, taking a circular park near the bridgehead. Freely exposing himself to urge his men forward, he drove into the park and forced the enemy back. After continually encouraging his men in the face of enemy fire for four hours, First Lieutenant Lamm and his platoon reached the demolitions control station at the bridge. A strong force of enemy defended this point. First Lieutenant Lamm worked his way forward to a position where he was able to attack and burn the station. Mortar fire made our further advance impossible and First Lieutenant Lamm covered the withdrawal of his men under machine gun and 20-mm. fire. By his determined efforts and unselfish conduct despite heavy enemy fire, he caused many casualties to be inflicted upon the enemy. The destruction of the control station probably prevented the blowing of the bridge and enabled supporting units to later gain the bridge intact – the accomplishment of our mission. 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.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George D. Lamm (1287020), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 December 1944, in Belgium. When demolition charges failed to destroy two bridges across the Salm River, Lieutenant Lamm led continuous attacks which held the enemy back while the bridges were prepared again. Although one bridge had been successfully destroyed the other was still usable. Realizing that this bridge must be completely destroyed, Lieutenant Lamm completely disregarding personal safety, laid the charges and detonated them in the face of heavy enemy fire. First Lieutenant Lamm’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.