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 First Class Walter J. Luke (ASN: ER-34759662), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, [then Company E], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 October 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date Sergeant Luke, serving in the capacity of field first sergeant, was with a unit which had the mission of attacking and securing a strongly fortified enemy-held hill. During this action, he voluntarily assumed the responsibility for the evacuation of all wounded men to the battalion aid station. In the course of preparing the wounded men for the hazardous trip, Sergeant Luke noticed two enemy soldiers, who had infiltrated the friendly lines, moving toward his position. Realizing the seriousness of this threat to his helpless comrades, Sergeant Luke left the wounded and by skillfully crossing the rough terrain, placed himself in a position that surprised the enemy into surrendering. His initiative and dauntless courage were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Luke on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.