The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Henry Robert Wier (NSN: 0-70099), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WOOLSEY (DD-437) prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Exhibiting great skill and aggressive leadership, Commander Wier brought his ship to a high standard of training and combat readiness for participation in the assault operations. As a unit of the fire support group in action against enemy coastal defenses on the right flank, he approached the hostile shore through mine infested waters and in the face of heavy return fire carried out accurate and vigorous gunfire against enemy installations and concentrations. Over an extended period of time the ship fulfilled many raiding and firing missions both day and night, the effectiveness of which can be attested to by the silencing of enemy batteries and the destruction inflicted on enemy concentrations. His determined and effective conduct of shore bombardment missions contributed materially to the expeditious establishment of the beachhead and the rapid advance of the assault forces in clearing enemy occupied territory. The exceptional ability, cool and deliberate action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Wier were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.