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 Benjamin R. Wetenhall (ASN: 12239959), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Anti-Tank Company, *** Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near *****, Belgium, on 5 January 1945. After finding that the detonating line running from his foxhole to a mined bridge was broken, he crawled forward on an open slope in full view of the enemy to repair the broken wire. Despite the heavy enemy small arms and machine gun fire directed at him, Private First Class Wetenhall exhibited cool courage and strong determination by repairing the wire and returning safely to his foxhole. Later in the day, he was wounded by enemy mortar fire but his courage and daring had left a marked influence on the officer and men of his company. His heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.