(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Master Sergeant Charles D. Walter, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 23 August 2005, near Oruzgan, Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Walter’s effective decisions enabled his small element of Afghan National Police to a 20-hour initiative over 30 kilometers of impassable terrain at night. His leadership and valor resulted in 18 enemy killed, including the province’s chief Taliban commander. Master Sergeant Walter also recovered weapons, radios and critical phone numbers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.