The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Walter A. Hefner (ASN: 20720893), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 22 August 1944. In reconnoitering for the advance of the *** Combat Team near ****, the First Platoon, *** Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), was subjected to heavy machine gun fire at a point near a canal, the bridge over which had been demolished. Having located the enemy emplacement, and determined that the mission of his unit be accomplished, Sergeant Hefner, a platoon sergeant, crawled to the canal, and, swimming across it under enemy observation, machine gun and grenade fire, reached the other side. Under cover of available undergrowth, he maneuvered into position behind the strong point and threw several grenades into the emplacement, whereupon six enemy soldiers left the position and surrendered to him. After destroying the enemy gun, Sergeant Hefner returned with his prisoners. The heroic actions of Sergeant Hefner constitute such gallantry in action as to reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.