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Sgt George Scharff attended college for 1 year and was a retail manager before he enlisted in New York City, New York on 20 July 1943.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The cication cited: For gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 April 1945 in Germany. During the attack on Schmira, Germany, on 10 April 1945, the assaulting rifle companies were delayed by well emplaced and mutually supporting enemy machine guns. Sgt Scharff, a squad leader, assuming command of his platoon when the platoon sergeant was killed, led his men forward toward a ridge from which to fire on the German emplacements. Sgt Scharff alone reached the ridge where he immediately opened fire on the enemy, killing two gunners, and, by drawing enemy fire, enabled the rest of the platoon to advance and eventually overrun the enemy. Sgt Scharff was mortally wounded in this engagement. His courage, aggressive leadership, and supreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the Unites States Army.

His mother was born in Russia.