The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Rudolph Gwinn Whitten, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 21 – 28 July 1918, and by his brilliant leadership. By his skill and quick adaptation of his method of attack to the new defensive tactics of the enemy he succeeded in capturing two important towns (Le Charmel, 26 July 1918 and Roncheres, 27 July 1918) with comparatively small loss to his command. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Whitten, 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.