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 Phyllis Wells (ASN: 35206965), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company K, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), during the battle of the Lunga River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 29 October 1942. Private First Class Wells suddenly was aroused from his position by an explosion in one of the automatic-rifle positions. This brought heavy enemy machine-gun fire down upon him but Private First Class Wells, at the risk of his life, leaped across the enemy fire land and crawled into the neighboring position where he found two members of his squad seriously injured by an accidental grenade explosion. He immediately administered first aid and then took over the gun. This brave action on the part of Private First Class Wells contributed greatly to the fact that the position was held, and the life of at least one man, who had his hand completely blown off by the explosion, was saved. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.