Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

First Lieutenant George J. Racine (Army Serial Number 01013889), Infantry, Company "C", 31st Tank Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action on 28 August 1944, in the area of Epernay, France. While leading his column in the attack on Epernay, 1st Lt. Racine's company came under concentrated artillery and mortar fire which disabled two tanks and killed two officers . Ignoring the continuing volleys from mortars and snipers, Lt. Racine located an observation post from which he was able to bring fire of his tanks on the hostile artillery. After eleven hostile weapons were silenced, a direct hit knocked out one of his company's tanks killing the driver and wounding the remainder of the crew. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Lt Racine sprang to the aid of the trapped men. After unsuccessfully trying to evacuate them through the forward hatch, Lt Racine climbed over the dead driver and unlocked the turret. Then, under heavy artillery and mortar fire he rescued the wounded men and carried them to positions of safety.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 46 (12 September 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Company C, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

First Lieutenant George J. Racine (Army Serial Number 01013889), Infantry, Company "C", 31st Tank Battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by gallantry in action in connection with military operations on 15 August 1944 in the area of Chartres, France. During the night attack on Chartres, 1st Lt. Racine was serving as platoon leader, riding in the third tank of the column. The enemy forces were strongly emplaced in innumerable concealed positions throughout the city, and had the outstanding advantage of observation from the lofty Cathedral Towers which the Allied Armies had orders not to destroy. Fire from close-range bazookas and anti-tank mines killed the company commander in the lead tank and knocked out the second vehicle. Without hesitation 1st Lt. Racine took over command of the column and led it through heavy fire to the center of town. Enemy volleys wrecked a half-track in the column, cutting off the second and third platoons. Receiving word by radio of their plight, Lt. Racine unhesitatingly stopped his tank, stepped out into the fire-swept street signaling his location with a flashlight. Later, ignoring the cross-fire of machine guns from the many windows which faced the street, he made his way back to the enemy-infested square. Quickly he cleared away the shattered half-track, reformed the disorganized column and led the company out of the town. Taking over the unit, Lt. Racine instilled new confidence into the men, and rallied them for a dawn attack. By his outstanding leadership and unremitting courage, Lt. Racine saved the column from catastrophic defeat and gained for himself the unrestrained admiration of his men.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 62 (11 October 1944).
This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.