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 Benjamin P. Wheeler (ASN: 34974589), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 April 1945 in Germany. When his company lost radio contact with a unit supposed to be to its front in a night attack, Sergeant Wheeler volunteered to attempt to establish contact. He moved out across terrain netted with inland waterways, waded across one canal and employed a log for a foot bridge in crossing another. Although fired on by an enemy sniper, he continued over open ground until he encountered and fired upon an enemy automatic weapon crew killing two with a hand grenade and capturing the remaining two enemy. Taking his prisoners with him he located the friendly unit and returned to his company with the information he had secured. As the attack progressed once again he located the enemy sniper and killed him with rifle fire. Through his efforts his company was able to reach its objective, securing a strong foothold in an important area. The great personal courage displayed by Sergeant Wheeler reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.