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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Walter Thomas Galyon (ASN: 0-661475), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 371st Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in the South Pacific area on 10 October 1943. As a pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber, Lieutenant Galyon participated in a successful bombing mission against an enemy base. As the formation was leaving the target a friendly bomber was shot down by an enemy fighter, and four of its crew members attempted to parachute to safety. Enemy fighters immediately closed in to strafe the parachuting men. Lieutenant Galyon, disregarding his personal safety, heroically flew to the aid of his comrades, circled their descent, fought off the enemy, and attempted to drop a life raft. In the engagement his number two engine was shot out and the propellers ran away on the number three and four engines. In this critical condition Lieutenant Galyon endeavored to return to his home base. Realizing the distance was too great he attempted a forces landing and lost his life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Galyon, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.