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) Wayne M. Fetters (ASN: 0-1703040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. During the attack on ****, First Lieutenant Peters, a Platoon Leader in Company C, commanded the support platoon which made up the third assault wave on the town. In the initial stages of the attack, the Company Commander was wounded, and most of the officers and non-commissioned officers were either killed or wounded. The attack was moving across flat, open ground, and through numerous barbed wire fences running perpendicular to the direction of advance. Intense grazing fire from machine guns and 20-mm. cannons inflicted heavy casualties on the assault waves and threatened complete disorganization of the unit. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, First Lieutenant Fetters, quickly and unhesitatingly, led his platoon through the assault waves and reached the objective. He continually exposed himself to the heavy fire while moving around among his men to better direct and urge them onward. His own fearless example was an inspiration to 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.