The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter C. Kirby (ASN: RA-15272903), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. Near the Nam River in Korea, on 15 September 1950, Private First Class Kirby’s company was subjected to strong hostile attack. Despite exposure to intense automatic weapons fire and hand grenades, he immediately directed a steady stream of accurate counterfire at the onrushing foe. When an adjacent machine gun was disabled, he remained in his exposed position, covered the displacement of the squad with grenades and then withdrew after his ammunition was exhausted. Private First Class Kirby’s courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.