The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Walter R. Gentry (ASN: RA-24528117), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 14 June and early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, a numerically superior enemy force attacked and overran a sector of the friendly main line of resistance. Sergeant Gentry was leading an element of the counterattacking force in an attempt to restore the United Nations possession of the main trenchline. Twice he bravely led his group in a drive to clear the enemy from the contested defenses but was forced back each time by the heavy fire. Then Sergeant Gentry gave each man instructions on individual fields of fire and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, again moved forward. Through his aggressive fighting spirit and courageous leadership, the small force succeeded in closing the penetration and contributed materially to the ensuing defeat of the enemy assault. Sergeant Gentry’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.