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 Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Walter Raymond Hylander, Jr. (ASN: 0-76887), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 February 1968, while serving as Senior Advisor, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Engineer School, Phu Cuong, Republic of Vietnam. On that date, the Engineer School was attacked by an estimated company of Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army troops, Reacting immediately, Colonel Hylander calculated the force of the attack and notified sector headquarters requesting air strikes and supporting weapons. Often exposed to intense hostile fire, and with no thought for his personal safety, Colonel Hylander organized and led a counterattack drawn from a nearby United States Engineer Company. Subsequent to this successful counterattack, Colonel Hylander directed additional air strikes and friendly armor and infantry which had arrived to assist. Colonel Hylander’s singularly impressive display of battlefield courage and his valiant and inspiring leadership effected the organization of the defenses and a counter attack at a most crucial time in the battle. The rapidity and extreme effectiveness in directing friendly forces resulted in defeating the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Hylander’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.