The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Wendell T. Byrnes (ASN: 37118239), United States Army, for forced to abandon his gun position during an enemy counterattack, Technician Fifth Grade Byrnes rendered his equipment useless and then covered the evacuation of his battalion. He later returned to the area under extremely heavy enemy fire and succeeded in evacuating this equipment. 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 and the United States Army.