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) Wade E. Sanders (ASN: 0-1315451), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Company D, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Chuktae-ri, Korea, on 18 October 1951. His company was participating in its sixth day of a battalion attack against strong, well-entrenched enemy forces. The accuracy and tremendous volume of enemy fire inflicted heavy casualties upon the friendly element, reducing it to half its effective size, and prevented a successful advance. Lieutenant Sanders, with complete disregard for his own safety, placed himself in a foremost position, completely exposed to the enemy, and skillfully directed his company’s machine gun fire and supporting mortar and artillery barrages upon the enemy. During intervals between fire missions, he repeatedly exposed himself to deliver fire upon snipers in well concealed positions. Undaunted by the extreme physical danger, he continually moved from one position to another, directing a devastatingly effective concentration of fire upon hostile emplacements. As a result of his fearlessness and professional ability, sixty key bunkers were destroyed, over 100 enemy soldiers killed and an untold number wounded. Lieutenant Sanders’ gallant action, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.