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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Wilson Larzelere Burley, Jr. (ASN: 0-19968), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 309th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, In action against the enemy on 13 and 14 December 1944, in the vicinity of Kesternich, Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Burley advanced with his lead company mounted on a company of attached medium tanks. Heavy enemy fire and unsuitable terrain forced the tanks to withdraw to a rear position. Cut off, Lieutenant Colonel Burley organized the position and encouraged his men to hold the exposed position throughout the night until the daylight assault of 14 December 1944. In the attack, radio communication to the rear was lost. Without hesitation, he left his forward position and moved by foot along the open road to contact the tank company and assure their proper employment in the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Burley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.