The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter W. Lister (ASN: 37531588), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Hasselfelde, Germany, on 18 April 1945. When his organization was subjected to an intense machine gun and small arms concentration, Private Lister, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously moved across perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point. Then, with accurate fire, he inflicted severe casualties upon the enemy force, thereby enabling his comrades to move to more advantageous positions. In the performance of his gallant deeds, Private Lister was mortally wounded. His outstanding initiative and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.