The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ward R. Wenner (MCSN: 0-52205), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Forward Observer of Battery C, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 April 1952. When the outpost was subjected to an intense and accurate mortar and artillery barrage, destroying his communication wires, Second Lieutenant Wenner unhesitatingly left the comparative safety of his bunker to set up his radio in a location to communicate with the artillery battalion and fearlessly continued to call in destructive fire upon the enemy until his radio was destroyed by fragments of an exploding shell. Although painfully wounded as the enemy infantry advanced and forced his team to withdraw a few yards to join friendly forces, he retained control of his men and kept them together as a unit, insuring their safety before seeking cover for himself. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Wenner was instrumental in preventing the complete loss and destruction of the friendly position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.