The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lewis C. Wilder (ASN: 32028250), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1944 in France. Serving as a rocket launcher gunner in a roadblock position, Corporal Wilder remained in position in the face of a furious onslaught of determined enemy infantry supported by tanks. Holding his fire until an enemy tank was almost upon him, he fired on the armored vehicle at close range, drawing the enemy’s attention and fire away from friendly troops withdrawing to prepared positions. Although painfully wounded by the storm of enemy fire concentrated upon his position he continued to fire until friendly artillery caused the tank, which was impregnable to frontal rocket fire, to withdraw. The determined courage displayed by Corporal Wilder reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.