The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Walter J. Halfmann (ASN: 16006902), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 January 1945, in the vicinity of Achen, France. During an attack on the company, support of the left flank withdrew, leaving Sergeant Halfmann’s position exposed. Before he could act, he and three of his men were captured and used as cover in an attempt to take a machine gun position. Meanwhile, the German officer was nicked by rifle fire. Seizing this opportunity, Sergeant Halfmann knocked aside the officer’s weapon and beat him to death with his helmet. Sergeant Halfmann’s magnificent courage and disregard for personal safety enabled him then to reorganize his machine gun squads and close the gap on the left flank, preventing the company from being encircled. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.