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 Sergeant] Wayne R. Palmer (ASN: 36067773), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action on 15 July 1944 near ****, France. In an attack on Hill Number 122 in the operation against ****, Sergeant Palmer led a squad which was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from an emplacement in a hedgerow to his front. Sergeant Palmer, voluntarily and armed only with his rifle and bayonet, crept across an open field to the enemy side of the hedgerow, where he captured the machine gun crew, consisting of four enemy soldiers, and three machine guns. The squad was then able to advance and accomplish its mission. The exemplary bravery and resourcefulness of action under heavy enemy fire of Sergeant Palmer, his utter disregard for his own personal welfare, placing the lives of his men and the accomplishment of the objectives as the matters of primary importance, resulted not only in saving the lives of his men, but facilitated the squad’s active participation in the assault against the enemy. 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.