- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Captain
- Unit:
- Company E, 371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army
In personally leading his company in an attack on a heavily fortified position near Serravezza, Lucca, Italy, Captain Wetlaufer came under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire which failed to stop his advance. Despite mounting casualties he maneuvered his company through a dense minefield and captured his objective after personally directing the assault platoon in the removal of mines. When the enemy later launched a determined counterattack, Captain Wetlaufer continually exposed himself to enemy fire in repulsing the attack. He captured eight enemy soldiers, killed and wounded many more, and withdrew only when so ordered.