(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Corporal Richard Franklin Wiegand (ASN: 33718955), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 25 December 1944. Corporal Wiegand stopped the advance of the 2nd SS Das Reich, just outside of Grandmenil by taking out the leading panther tank with a bazooka shot. By doing this, the complete Das Reich division was stopped, disabling the midsection of the battle of the Bulge. Corporal Wiegand was killed instantly, because he was to close to the panther tank, when his bazooka round exploded. 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.