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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Asmuth, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4743), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, on 21 July 1944. Landing under heavy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, Lieutenant Colonel Asmuth personally directed the operations of his assault groups in forcing a landing and advance inland to the Battalion objective. Moving among his units while fully exposed to hostile fire immediately after the landing, he quickly organized them for further advance. When his Battalion was delayed by enemy fire after reaching the slope of the high ground to the front, he went forward to his front lines to encourage and hasten the advance of his troops in order to secure the objective quickly and cover the landing of the remainder of the Regiment. Although seriously wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his Battalion until the objective was secured. By his courageous leadership and sound tactical employment of troops, Lieutenant Colonel Asmuth contributed materially to the successful completion of a vital mission, and at all times upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1 – December 28, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Asmuth, Jr. (MCSN: 0-4743), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 1 November to 28 December 1q943. When enemy forces landed near his troops in an attempt to launch a major assault on the entire beachhead, Lieutenant Colonel Asmuth immediately made a reconnaissance of his front lines in order to ascertain hostile strength and dispositions. Skillfully organizing the units under his command, he pressed home a vigorous counterattack and succeeded in repelling the Japanese until his flank could be reinforced. Lieutenant Colonel Asmuth’s intrepid leadership and resolute devotion to duty throughout the period of initial landing until the final beachhead line was occupied were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.