The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Wayne W. Fawcett (ASN: 37224540), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. In the assault upon the beaches of Normandy, Corporal Fawcett was riding in a tank which suddenly stopped its forward motion toward the beach, although the motor was still running. Disregarding heavy enemy fire which was falling outside, Corporal Fawcett voluntarily climbed out of the tank and dived into the icy waters. When he ascertained that it was necessary to abandon the tank, he informed the tank commander so that the other members of the crew could escape, and then Corporal Fawcett reentered the tank, rendered the radio useless should it fall into enemy hands, and swam to the beach. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Fawcett, 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.