The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James P. Wetze (ASN: 1783332), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Crepion, France, north of Verdun. On 9 November 1918, while near Crepion north of Verdun, Sergeant Wetzel showed great coolness and devotion to duty by exposing himself to great danger while under shell fire in order to encourage his men and to care for wounded men. Sergeant Wetzel walked about during heavy shell fire encouraging his men who were in cover. He also exposed himself to great danger in order to dress a badly wounded man and carry him to safety.