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 [then Sergeant] Walter J. Matyjasik (ASN: RA-32242410), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 March 1951 in the vicinity of Yudong-ni, Korea. While assaulting an enemy-held hill, Sergeant Matyjasik’s platoon was halted by heavy fire from an enemy machine gun. In spite of intense enemy grenade and small arms fire Sergeant Matyjasik maneuvered up the steep hill to a position from where he destroyed the hostile emplacement with hand grenades. As the platoon then advanced, he exposed himself in order to locate enemy strong points and to direct fire upon them. When the platoon reached a point 100 yards from the crest of the hill it met such a volume of fire that it was ordered to fall back on the defensive perimeter formed by another platoon. To cover the withdrawal, he called for two volunteers and, arming himself with an automatic rifle, engaged the enemy, deliberately drawing the hostile fire upon his position. Under his covering fire the platoon completed its movement without a casualty being sustained. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Matyjasik reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.