The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Walter T. Allen (ASN: RA-20919980), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Somin-dong, Korea. In the absence of a commissioned officer, Sergeant Allen assumed command of his platoon whose mission was to defend the left flank of the company’s main line of resistance. Under the initial attack by a numerically superior enemy force, the platoon suffered many casualties and the left flank was forced to withdraw. Sergeant Allen, under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, rallied the remaining men and led an under strength platoon in a successful counterattack which drove the enemy back. In another attack the enemy surrounded the platoon and inflicted heavy casualties upon it. Sergeant Allen led his men out of the trap and safely evacuated all casualties without further loss. The initiative and fearlessness displayed by Sergeant Allen reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.