The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Private First Class Wesley J. De Young (ASN: 37644942), United States Army, for heroic action in connection with military operations while serving with the 99th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 April 1945, in Germany. Private First Class De Young, while on a patrol to reconnoiter the strength of the enemy was one of the few who was not pinned down by a sudden burst of enemy fire. When he attempted to crawl into a position from which he could lay some effective fire on the enemy and relieve pressure on the patrol, he caused a stoppage in his weapon. He tried desperately to remedy it, but to no avail. Rising on one knee in full view of the enemy, he tried top put it into action but was hit by a heavy burst of enemy fire seriously wounding him. His courage inspired the men of his group to assault and take the enemy strong point. His braver and outstanding devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.