The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Wood Guice Joerg (ASN: 0-20793), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 551st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Rochlinval, Belgium, on 7 January 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Joerg was in a forward position observing the assault elements of a unit as they moved to the attack on the village. His position during this phase was continually under extremely heavy and accurate mortar and observed artillery fire. When the fire fight was joined, Lieutenant Colonel Joerg saw that his left flank company had been purposely permitted to advance into open ground which was covered by a tremendous volume of machine gun fire. Without regard for his own safety, and in order to extricate the company from its position, Lieutenant Colonel Joerg advanced through intense enemy fire toward the unit’s extreme front line. Lieutenant Colonel Joerg’s heroic action and unselfish devotion to his command were an inspiration to the entire unit and aided materially in preventing elements of the company from moving into an enemy trap. During this action Lieutenant Colonel Joerg was fatally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Joerg, 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.