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 Staff Sergeant Chester Wade (ASN: 32794934), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 60th Engineer Combat Battalion, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France on 12 December 1944. When his platoon was forced to abandon its task of constructing an infantry foot bridge across the **** River because of intense enemy small arms fire, Sergeant Wade successfully reorganized his unit in defensive positions to ward off impending counterattacks. Some of our infantry had established a bridgehead on the hostile shore, and it was vitally necessary that their efforts were reinforced and the bridge completed so that more troops could accomplish the crossing. The engineer platoon engaged the enemy in a fierce fire fight, during which Sergeant Wade walked up and down behind his men without seeking cover or concealment for himself, pointing out targets and firing at the Germans. While thus engaged, he was struck by an enemy bullet and killed. His inspiring leadership was directly responsible for the successful completion of the platoon mission and the repulse of the enemy reflects the highest credit upon his character and training as a soldier.