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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Omer D. Whitwell (ASN: 0-550527), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 4 April 1945. Lieutenant Whitwell, a platoon leader, voluntarily led a night patrol across the **** Canal and behind enemy lines on a reconnaissance mission. He led the group past several enemy outposts and through the streets of two heavily garrisoned towns. The mission accomplished, the patrol was returning to a crossing site at a damaged bridge across the canal when they were challenged by an enemy sentry. Without hesitation Lieutenant Whitwell rushed forward, wrested the sentry’s weapon from him and took him prisoner, then led the patrol to the friendly shore. His gallant actions in the outstanding performance of a hazardous mission reflect high credit upon Lieutenant Whitwell’s character as an officer and leader of men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1945
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (May 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Omer D. Whitwell (ASN: 0-550527), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 15 April 1945. After leading his platoon in an assault crossing of the **** River, Lieutenant Whitwell moved ahead of his troops to make a personal reconnaissance. While so engaged he received a painful head wound. Despite his wound, and the fact that his platoon had suffered casualties including two squad leaders, Lieutenant Whitwell moved among his men, directing their fire and movement in the seizure of the initial objective, personally killing a well camouflaged enemy rifleman and neutralizing a machine gun emplacement with automatic rifle fire. He then led his platoon in a successful assault on the final objective, and was seriously wounded as he exposed himself to enemy fire to help his men reach covered positions. Lieutenant Whitwell’s gallantry and disregard for personal safety honor his character as an officer and leader of men.