The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Russell W. Wike (ASN: 33763285), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 13 April 1945. Sergeant Wike was leading his men in an attack on a group of houses when one man became a casualty from the extremely heavy fire. Although any movement drew a hail of fire, he gallantly went to his comrade and brought him to a place of safety where he could be evacuated. Sergeant Wike then rallied his men and took the objective, killing three and wounding one of the enemy and forcing the remainder to flee. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Wike, 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.