The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Victor Salem (ASN: 0-1296625), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division on 15 August 1944, in France. When the advance of his company was stopped by enemy small arms fire, Captain Salem, the Commanding Officer of the company, moved forward to investigate. Due to darkness and without realizing the fact, he advanced beyond the head of the column and was suddenly accosted by four Germans who had him covered with automatic weapons and demanded he surrender. Instead of surrendering, Captain Salem told them that there was a battalion of troops in front of them and ordered them to surrender to him. During the argument which followed between the four Germans as to what course of action they should take, Captain Salem succeeded in slipping away in the dark and rejoined his company. Now having the exact location of the enemy, Captain Salem personally directed the fire fight that followed and forced the enemy to withdraw. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Salem, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Victor Salem (ASN: 0-1296625), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division on 18 November 1944, in Germany. Captain Salem was commanding an infantry company during an attack against the enemy. When heavy enemy artillery fires were placed in the area, Captain Salem aggressively led his men forward, reaching their objective within a few minutes. Many lives were saved by his initiative and courageous skill under fire, for he had led them in such rapid advance that the enemy artillery shells were dropping behind them. When the objective was reached, the enemy launched a counterattack which threatened the newly captured position, deploying his men and guns so effectively that the counterattack was repulsed. Fifteen enemy soldiers were killed and the others were forced to withdraw. The tactical skill, superior leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Salem reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces.