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 A. Papstein (ASN: 37145944), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 and 13 March 1944. Private First Class Papstein’s fierce determination and indomitable courage were responsible for holding an important pillbox position against a numerically superior Japanese force. Even after he was wounded by a grenade, which also damaged his machine gun, Private First Class Papstein held off the enemy with his pistol until he could repair his automatic weapon. Miraculously escaping further wounds when an explosion caved in a side of his fortification, he held off the determined assaults until daylight when it was possible to send him reinforcements. He not only saved the strongpoint, but prevented two badly wounded companions from falling into enemy hands. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Papstein, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.