The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerls B. Wallace, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 339th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in on the front in Italy, during World War II. Leaving his dug-in mortar position and obtaining a rifle from a wounded comrade, Private Wallace moved to an exposed position, killed three German soldiers and wounded others. He enabled other members of his company to capture the remaining Nazis, who had been making their way toward his left flank armed with two machine guns. Private Wallace’s courageous act, performed at grave risk of his own life, eliminated a serious threat to the company flank and reflects the finest traditions of the American Infantryman.