The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Wendell C. Phillippi, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Italian Campaign on 8 December 1943. On that date the assault companies had been stopped northwest of a village by a line of pillboxes and barbed wire. The enemy laid down terrific artillery, mortar and small arms fire and the severe shelling knocked out the radio communications with the assault companies. On his own initiative and with utter disregard for his own life, he personally led the wire group and assisted in laying wire to each assault company. It was necessary to inspect the lines constantly, which he did, making numerous trips at all times exposed to severe enemy artillery, mortar and sniper fire. The enemy fire was so severe that the entire repair squad was either killed or wounded. He himself received a shell-fragment wound in the foot, but stoutly refused to be evacuated and continued with his duties until the following day, when the battalion commander ordered him to the rear. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.