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 Alfred E. Wheeler (ASN: 37519701), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 January 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Wheeler, assigned the task of clearing mines from a road so that armor could be brought up to support his company in the attack, refused to be deterred by intense enemy mortar and artillery fire falling near him but continued on his mission until he had removed twenty-five mines when he was painfully wounded. Abandoning any regard for his wound, he gallantly persevered in his work, clearing the road and making it possible for the tanks to support the infantrymen in a successful attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Wheeler, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.