The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Neil Merton Wallace, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 66th Field Artillery Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France. During the advance from Avrancnes to Rennes, France, on 1 August 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Wallace, realizing that speed was essential, placed himself at the head of a column and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, took active command of the situation, at times leading the forward movement of self-propelled artillery. His efforts, undertaken in the face of grave danger and accomplished with utter disregard for his personal safety, materially aided the advance. His courage and devotion to duty served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command, reflect great credit on himself, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.