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JOSEPH E. WALTERS
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
SILVER STAR MEDAL to
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOSEPH E. WALTERS
UNITED STATES, MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For conspicuous Gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First
Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy In the Republic of Vietnam on 9 August 1968, while assaulting a large North
Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions on Hill 310 in Quang Nam Province during Operation Mameluke Thrust, Second Lieutenant WALTERS'
platoon came under a heavy volume of enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant WALTERS skillfully deployed his
Marines and commenced to maneuver about the hazardous area, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire upon the hostile
emplacements. Disregarding his own safety, he assumed the point position and aggressively led his platoon in a determined attack against the
enemy. As the Marines advanced toward the objective, the intensity of
the hostile fire increased and a man fell seriously wounded In front of an enemy machine gun position. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him,
Second Lieutenant WALTERS unhesitatingly rushed across twenty meters of fire swept terrain to the side of the injured Marine moved him through the
intense hostile fire to a Position of relative safety. Continuing his determined efforts for approximately four hours, he boldly led his men in
repeated assaults upon the enemy positions until the hostile soldiers were forced to flee in panic and confusion. His bold initiative and resolute
determination Inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his platoon
accounting for one North Vietnamese soldier captured and numerous hostile weapons seized, while sustaining only three friendly casualties. By
his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Walters contributed
significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service.
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