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 Private Wilbur D. Hastings (ASN: US-56143089), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 August 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Company C had the mission of attacking an enemy-held hill. As the unit advanced it was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Immediately Private Hastings, with utter disregard for his personal safety, crawled forward, exposing himself to intense enemy fire and succeeded in destroying many enemy weapons and inflicting numerous enemy casualties. In so doing Private Hastings was fatally wounded by an enemy round but by his self-sacrificing action, the company was able to complete its mission successfully. The gallantry and devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Hastings reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.