The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Wilbur Koelewyn (ASN: 35312097), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 September and 8 November 1944 in France. On September 14, 1944, Technical Sergeant Koelewyn and a companion noticed a platoon of Germans in the act of capturing an armored car and its two occupants. Assuming a commanding position, the two men began firing upon the platoon thereby enabling the two Americans in the armored car to man their automatic weapons. Continuing with the attack, Technical Sergeant Koelewyn succeeded in taking thirty prisoners, including one officer. On 8 November 1944, Technical Sergeant Koelewyn and his squad had the mission of establishing a defensive position for the protection of the battalion area. Before he had an opportunity to complete this assignment the enemy launched an assault. Despite intense rifle, machine gun, and machine pistol fire, Technical Sergeant Koelewyn and his men successfully routed the enemy, wounding nine and killing three. His bravery, leadership, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.