The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Johnie S. Wilder (ASN: RA-35124450), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Wilder was a member of a security group for the lead tank in a combined tank-infantry assault upon the town of Yongsan. The tank was attacked by four enemy soldiers hurling anti-tank grenades. Sergeant Wilder, displaying complete indifference for his personal safety, leaned to the top of the tank and, disregarding the intense hostile fire, manned its .50 caliber machine gun with such deadly accuracy that he killed the four attacking enemy soldiers and inflicted further casualties upon the enemy. In this gallant action, in which he saved the lives of the crew members and prevented the destruction of the tank, he was severely wounded. The intrepidity displayed by Sergeant Wilder on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.