The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Wells (ASN: 0-1285156), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 January 1945. Lieutenant Wells, executive officer of an infantry company, was ordered to take command of a disorganized platoon whose leader had been killed. Moving up fearlessly in the face of intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire, Lieutenant Wells located his squad leaders and went from man to man giving re-organization orders. Within ten minutes he forged the group into an effective fighting unit and successfully continued the attack. The courageous leadership and skill of Lieutenant Wells in taking over a confused platoon and making it into a well-knit combat unit contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of his company’s mission. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.