Sterling A. Wood

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Colonel Sterling A. Wood, 05308, Infantry, 313th Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action as Regimental Commander in France. On the morning of 23 June 1944, strong enemy patrols had infiltrated to the rear of the regiment. Realizing the seriousness of a break in the line of communication, Colonel Wood immediately organized and personally commanded a patrol which proceeded to attack the enemy group. The surprise attained resulting in the killing of three and the capturing of nine of the enemy and enabled the patrol to pass through the enemy positions to the regimental motor pool. Colonel Wood immediately organized a force composed of troops from the regimental supply train, called for a platoon of tanks, and resumed the attack on the strong point established by the enemy. This action reduced the strong point and reestablished the line of communication. The personal initiative, leadership, and disregard for his own safety displayed by Colonel Wood on this occasion was typical of his conduct during the entire campaign, thus setting an inspiring example to the officers and men of his regiment.