The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Vernon R. Wolcott, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 493d Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 12th Armored Division, in action against the enemy from 30 March to 2 April 1945 at Wurzburg, Germany. On 30 March when the task force was held up by enemy anti-tank weapons and small arms fire in the vicinity of Neukirtchen, First Lieutenant Walcott assembled three men and fought his way on foot to a point of observation on high ground. He directed artillery fire on the enemy under continued small arms fire, destroying two anti-tank weapons and killing several riflemen, enabling the task force to move forward. Again on 2 April 1945, in the vicinity of Wurzburg when the task force was held up by 88’s and other anti-tank weapons, First Lieutenant Wolcott proceeded in his tank to a position three hundred yards beyond friendly elements to obtain observation. Under direct fire of enemy anti-tank weapons he adjusted artillery fire and destroyed three enemy anti-tank guns and assisted the task force in moving forward to the objective. 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.