The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] John Walsh (ASN: 12137593), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 12 September 1944 in France. Near Dieulouard, France, Corporal Walsh volunteered to swim the Moselle River and to gain information. He made the crossing with the leading elements and gallantly disregarded enemy fire to cut wire entanglements leading to the objective. Corporal Walsh’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.