George M. Canales

Staff Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 11th Airborne Division, General Orders No. 95 (May 20, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] George M. Canales (ASN: 38412514), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands on 8 February 1945.
During an enemy counterattack, Staff Sergeant Canales, with utter disregard for his personal safety, moved forward in the face of intense hostile fire to an exposed position, from which he poured a deadly fire into the enemy. This heroic action resulted in the destruction of twenty-two enemy soldiers and contributed materially to the repelling of the attack.
The platoon was then able to occupy a position of high ground, which enabled the company to advance. The outstanding courage and daring initiative displayed by Staff Sergeant Canales reflect great credit on himself and the military service.