The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Keith (Kieth) L. Walls, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on 24 April 1971, in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Walls distinguished himself while serving as platoon Sergeant during a reconnaissance mission north of Cu Chi. Once contact was initiated with a hostile force, Sergeant Walls positioned his vehicle at the point of heaviest fire and began placing suppressive fire upon the foe. Suddenly an enemy rocket struck his track, seriously wounding the sergeant. Ignoring his own wounds and amid intense enemy fire he remounted the track and rescued the driver. Moments later, he gave aid to the wounded track commander. Platoon Sergeant Walls’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.