The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Weldon C. Randall (ASN: 58555650), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On the night of 5 January 1945, at Stattmatten, France, with an enemy force approximately a platoon attacking only 75 yards away and having available only the tube of a 60-mm. mortar, Sergeant Randall placed the tube of the mortar between his legs and fired about 20 rounds from this position. His action in so doing was largely instrumental in dispersing the enemy attack. He was later reported missing in action.