George F. Singletary, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George F. Singletary, Jr., Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 12 and 13 August 1943, near Tambu Bay, New Guinea. In order to place artillery fire advantageously in support of a scheduled infantry attack, First Lieutenant Singletary accompanied an advance infantry patrol through enemy controlled terrain to an area in which the forward perimeter was to be established. The patrol took the natural cover afforded by the area, as the surprise element was essential to the planned attack. Although he could have returned to join the main troops, First Lieutenant Singletary elected to remain with the advance patrol. During the night the patrol was sighted by the enemy and subjected to intense machine gun fire. First Lieutenant Singletary was seriously wounded, but despite lapses of consciousness, at daybreak he re-registered artillery preparations for the barrage and directed effective and accurate artillery fire which contributed materially to the success of our attack. Oblivious to personal comfort, he insisted on all wounded being evacuated before he consented to his own removal. In this action, First Lieutenant Singletary displayed conspicuous courage and contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy in this position. His 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, his unit, and the United States Army.