The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wallace W. Wilder (MCSN: 501268), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Bulldozer operator of Headquarters and Service Company, Twentieth Marines (Engineer), FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 22 June 1944. Charged with clearing an obstructed road in the front lines, Private First Class Wilder boldly drove an unarmored bulldozer into an area under heavy enemy mortar and rifle fire and at great risk to his own life, coolly and efficiently cleared the road block thereby enabling our tanks and half-tracks to continue the assault. By his unwavering courage and gallant devotion to duty he contributed materially to the advance of our troops and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.