The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter F. Laule (ASN: 35051590), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Glagsam, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 31 October 1944. Private Laule was a member of a squad of Anti-Tank Company which was covering the point of Company E, spearheading the battalion advance toward Carigara, Suddenly heavy enemy artillery, mortar, automatic weapons, and sniper fire halted and pinned down Company E and inflicted numerous casualties. Leaping upon a quarter-ton vehicle in the fire-swept area, Private Laule turned a mounted .50 caliber machine gun on the enemy, raking the tree tops to silence snipers and then directing his fire against the enemy ground positions. Enemy fire concentrated on him as he delivered repeated devastating bursts, but his gallant action in diverting the enemy attack enabled the evacuation of the wounded and allowed the company to continue the advance. He continued his fire until he was killed by an exploding artillery shell. By his intrepidity in operating the gun alone and in the face of a heavy enemy concentration, Private Laule at the cost of his life, was instrumental in saving many of his comrades and making possible the continued advance of Company E. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.