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 Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Dean V. Waldo (ASN: 36293499), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 15 March 1945, Company I was temporarily halted on its advance toward Muhlhausen, France, by two concealed enemy machine gun emplacements. Sergeant Waldo, observing that the slightest movement drew heavy enemy fire and that casualties were being sustained, crawled forward into a nearby shell hole and located the two hostile emplacements. Removing all his equipment and grabbing two hand grenades he rushed one hostile emplacement, throwing the grenades. The boldness of his attack wounded one of the enemy and stunned the balance of the crew into surrender. Unarmed he dashed to the rear of the second emplacement and demanded they surrender or be grenaded. The armed crew having witnessed the destruction of the adjacent emplacement surrendered without resistance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.



