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 George H. Wegeler (ASN: 31306321), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When his company was halted by intense fire from an enemy machine gun emplacement in Manila on 14 February 1945, Private Wegeler crawled forward amid the ruins of wrecked buildings to a three foot wall only 30 yards from the hostile emplacement. Then, using the shelter of the wall to load his rocket launcher, he courageously stood up three times, and while exposed to the Japanese fire effectively launched rockets which silenced the enemy gun. Later investigation revealed that Private Wegeler had killed four enemy soldiers and destroyed a heavy machine gun. 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.