The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant] Walter T. Plavljanich (ASN: 0-2262166), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, then attached to the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hadong, Korea, on 27 July 1950. The heavy mortar platoon of his company was assigned mission of general support of the battalion during an attack. Counter-intelligence had succeeded in gaining accurate information about the proposed attack and the enemy was prepared for an encounter with an amazingly well-camouflaged full division to repel the Battalion’s drive. As a squad leader in a mortar platoon, First Lieutenant Plavljanich was given the mission of covering the withdrawal of the battalion, ordered when the enemy opened up against the advancing troops in full fury. As his section’s mortar ammunition gave out, he gave the order for his men to withdraw. They were pinned down in a rice paddy by the devastating enemy fire and he, with utter disregard for his own safety, dashed across open terrain and approximately 100 yards, allowing his men to withdraw to a safer position as the enemy poured out his vengeance on him. When enemy action had succeeded in cutting his group off from the remainder of the battalion, he gathered a few stragglers and wounded and proceeded to organize a carrying party for the wounded and had them led over 27 miles of rugged, mountainous terrain to the safety of friendly vessels anchored off the coast. During this torturous march to the coast, he remained in rear guard positions, directing the small arms fire of his men with such accuracy that they turned back repeated enemy attacks against the group. First Lieutenant Plavljanich’s gallant actions and exemplary leadership in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.