George J. Roark, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George J. Roark, Jr. (0-367204), Captain (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 5th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Gela, Sicily, on 10 July 1943. During landing operations, Captain Roark skillfully established and maintained communications with supporting warships despite determined enemy resistance. His accurate adjustment of naval gunfire materially aided our forces in repelling an enemy counterattack.