The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class John Thomas Walton, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 3 August 1968 as a member of a Special Forces Reconnaissance Team, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, conducting a mission deep in hostile territory. The patrol was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force firing small arms, automatic weapons and grenade launchers. One of the team members was severely wounded in the initial barrage and Specialist Walton fought off the enemy while rendering life-saving medical treatment to the casualty. Later, when a grenade exploded inside the team’s defensive perimeter and temporarily incapacitated the team leader, Specialist Walton assumed the job of directing air strikes on the attackers. Although under constant and ravaging enemy fire, Specialist Walton then administered aid to the casualties suffered as the battle continued. When a rescue helicopter arrived to pick up the survivors of the fight, he carried a wounded team member through continuing enemy fire to the waiting ship. Specialist Fourth Class Walton’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.