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 Staff Sergeant Henry C. Walden (ASN: 2040708), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, near Mortain, France. When his battery was subjected to an attack by enemy tanks and infantry, Staff Sergeant Walden voluntarily took a machine gun from its regular position and moved it to a new location where he could direct more deadly fire on the enemy. While courageously exposing himself to severe enemy fire, in search of a strategic position for the gun, Staff Sergeant Walden was mortally wounded. The initiative and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Walden on this occasion were a profound inspiration to his comrades, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.