The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Spencer Wurst (ASN: 20312429), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944 at ****, Holland. During the attack on ****, particular enemy positions were held by about four hundred SS Infantrymen supported by anti-tank guns and mortars. Sergeant Wurst knew that snipers waited less than 75 yards away for any display of leadership. He had seen four of his officers killed or wounded. Despite these facts, he remained standing and continued to direct his men by arm and hand signals. At one time during the attack he stood beside the one British tank in the area and pointed out targets to its commander. The enemy threw all possible fire at it. As a result of his action Sergeant Wurst’s squad was the first to break completely through the enemy position and set up a line on the other side to prevent a counterattack. His personal courage and leadership kept his squad under control all during the attack, and enabled his company to gain its objective. This type of action has been characteristic of Sergeant Wurst in all previous campaigns as well as the present one. 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.