The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Russell W. Weibler (ASN: 0-1328656), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 13 April 1945 in Germany. During a fierce attack on Jena, Germany, when stubborn enemy resistance caused the death of the commanding officer and inflicted heavy casualties on his company, Lieutenant Weibler quickly and courageously assumed command. Despite heavy enemy fire, he reorganized the defenses, recovered the wounded and dead, and succeeded in achieving his unit’s objective. Lieutenant Weibler’s leadership and immediate acceptance of responsibility are a tribute to the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.