The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Warren S. Wheeler (MCSN: 0-15332), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as platoon leader attached to a company of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain on January 7, 1944. Unexpectedly coming upon approximately forty of the enemy in a bivouac area, First Lieutenant Wheeler skillfully dispersed his squad and launched a vigorous attack, inflicting heavy damages upon the hostile unit before withdrawing his own forces with but one minor casualty. Discovering his company engaged in a bitter fire fight upon his return to friendly lines, he boldly moved through dense underbrush and assumed command of his platoon skillfully directing the fire of his men until fatally wounded by a hostile machine gun. First Lieutenant Wheeler’s inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.