The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Whitney O. Refvem (ASN: 0-511344), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. First Lieutenant Refvem and several comrades knocked out two machine guns which were halting the advance of their platoon. Although he was painfully wounded, he covered the advance of his platoon into an enemy town and then moved about under enemy fire to see to the evacuation of several of his men before he himself would consent to evacuation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Refvem, 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.