The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Omer D. Whitwell (ASN: 0-550527), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 15 April 1945. After leading his platoon in an assault crossing of the **** River, Lieutenant Whitwell moved ahead of his troops to make a personal reconnaissance. While so engaged he received a painful head wound. Despite his wound, and the fact that his platoon had suffered casualties including two squad leaders, Lieutenant Whitwell moved among his men, directing their fire and movement in the seizure of the initial objective, personally killing a well camouflaged enemy rifleman and neutralizing a machine gun emplacement with automatic rifle fire. He then led his platoon in a successful assault on the final objective, and was seriously wounded as he exposed himself to enemy fire to help his men reach covered positions. Lieutenant Whitwell’s gallantry and disregard for personal safety honor his character as an officer and leader of men.