The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Daniel Wiersma (ASN: 0444166), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 47th Armored Infantry Battalion, 5th Armored Division, in action in the Hurtgen Forest from 29 November 1944 to 7 December 1944. Ordered to take command of an infantry company after the company commander had been lost in combat, Captain Wiersma went forward through a heavy enemy artillery concentration, reorganized the company, and expertly led the infantry to the achievement of the mission. In subsequent combat Captain Wiersma, prior to his platoon’s departure on a mission to establish a bridgehead beyond a minefield to enable engineers to clear the field, personally reconnoitered through and beyond the minefield determining the extent of the field and locating the enemy’s forward positions. Followed by an enemy patrol while returning from this reconnaissance he led the nine-man patrol into a trap and capture. After establishing the bridgehead Captain Wiersma extended the platoon’s position, and by night attacks and patrol activities, seized several enemy dug-outs and located all enemy positions to the front. Two days later he led the entire company in a successful attack on the final objective. During his daring exploits Captain Wiersma was subjected to almost continuous enemy fire. His skillful leadership and disregard for personal safety toward the accomplishment of each mission uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.