The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Walter H. Maslowski (ASN: RA-37122126), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chong-a-dong, Korea, on the night of 31 December 1950 to 1 January 1951. The 19th Infantry Regiment was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force, estimated to be in division strength. The main effort of this fanatic attack was directed against the third Battalion’s defensive position along the Imjin River. Under cover of darkness a strong enemy force succeeded in infiltrating behind the positions of Master Sergeant Maslowski’s company, and gained high ground in the rear, making it necessary for the company to withdraw to more formidable positions. His platoon was assigned to cover the withdrawal of another unit on the company’s flank, in danger of being surrounded. Deploying his men in positions overlooking the withdrawal route, he caught the enemy by such complete surprise that they were forced to flee for cover under the withering hail of fire. As the company withdrew, Master Sergeant Maslowski’s platoon was completely surrounded and the enemy was closing in. Continuing with his own withdrawal plan, he encountered six enemy soldiers engaged in setting up a machine gun. Without a moment’s hesitation and with utter disregard for his own safety, he opened fire on them, keeping them pinned down until under cover of fire from his own platoon, he was able to lead an attack and an nihilate the enemy position. Master Sergeant Maslowski’s courageous actions and exemplary leadership enabled his platoon to withdraw successfully and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.