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 [then Corporal] Wilburn H. Wigley (ASN: RA-14362438), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Yongon-ni, Korea, on 20 October 1951. His company had secured its objective for the night, but in the late hours was subjected to a savage counterattack by determined enemy forces. Due to the intensity of the enemy mortar and small arms fire, the friendly unit was forced to withdraw to more strategic defensive positions. Sergeant Wigley, Automatic Rifleman, fearlessly remained in his forward and exposed position. Firing with devastating accuracy into the hostile masses, he inflicted severe casualties on them, affording his comrades sufficient time to evacuate the wounded. Not until all friendly elements had withdrawn to safety did he leave his position and join friendly lines. Sergeant Wigley’s courageous action, unswerving determination and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.