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 E. Shelquist (ASN: 37467222), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 15 to 17 March 1944. Private First Class Shelquist successfully defended his pillbox against a fierce Japanese attack. Displaying cool, calm courage, Private First Class Shelquist was able, with the help of three other occupants of the fortified position, to beat back repeated assaults by enemy riflemen supported by machine guns. Although outnumbered many times, Private First Class Shelquist and his companions, with well-aimed fire, succeeded in knocking out four hostile machine guns and killing twenty-five of the enemy. By his daring devotion to duty he was able to hold up the enemy advance until tank-supported infantry units could be brought up to throw them back to their starting positions. His gallantry was an inspiration to his comrades and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.