The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Wilmer Wallace Stover (ASN: 0-368902), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 November 1943, when he rescued a patrol which was trapped by the Japanese in a cave on the ledge of a steep bluff at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. Constantly threatened by strong enemy fire which covered the cave and its approaches, Lieutenant Stover crawled on his stomach up a shallow gully of the cliff. Ordering his men to conceal themselves and cover him, he leaped on the ledge and into the cave. He shouldered a wounded man and slid back over the ledge of the bluff, guiding the rest of the patrol to safety. Lieutenant Stover’s bravery, superior reconnaissance prior to the rescue and his complete control over his men made it possible for him to accomplish the hazardous mission without additional casualties. The skill and daring with which he executed the dangerous task was an inspiration to his entire company. First Lieutenant Stover’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.