The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Arthur B. Wollam (ASN: 32344238), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 June 1944 in Italy. When Sergeant Wollam’s anti-tank platoon encountered strong enemy resistance, the soldiers were ordered to leave their trucks and take cover. Although his men urged him to retire to a position affording protection from the intense hostile fire, Sergeant Wollam courageously remained with his machine gun which was mounted on the truck. With the enemy force only 150 yards away, he tried to put his gun into action, but he was struck by machine gun bullets and fell beside his gun. Before he died, he told his men that he would remain with the gun to protect them while they sought cover. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.