The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Wallace A. Mead, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 4 January 1942. As Senior Instructor, 23d Infantry Regiment, Philippine Army, his heroic actions in directing the defense of this regiment at Porac, Pampanga, Luzon, were such as to warrant he approbation of the Commanding General, 21st Division, who awarded him this citation.