The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wendell W. Wolfanger (ASN: 32548206), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with the 90th Infantry Division, in France, on 7 July 1944. When enemy troops were observed about 200 yards from his battalion observation post, Private First Class Wolfanger, with the aid of a companion, volunteered to make a reconnaissance of the enemy position. After he had crawled a few yards through a field toward the objective, an enemy machine gun squad of 15 or 20 men with excellent and unobstructed observation, opened fire on him. Despite a steady flow of fire immediately over his head, Private First Class Wolfanger continued to advance in an aggressive search for information. Not until he had completely ascertained the numerical strength, weapons and disposition of the enemy and had captured two enemy snipers did he retired to a position of safety. The timely information acquired by Private First Class Wolfanger greatly facilitated the subsequent advance of the infantry. 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.