The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Rendell L. Wheaton (ASN: 35547255), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 February 1944 in Italy. While 50 Germans were attacking his company on the night of 8 February 1944, Private First Class Wheaton sighted an enemy machine gun firing into his platoon from a position 50 yards away. He seized a rifle grenade launcher, jumped out of his foxhole, and disregarding enemy bullets striking around him, fired a grenade point-blank at the enemy gun, killing most of its crew and forcing abandonment of the weapon. 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.