The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Walter M. Turner (ASN: 0-37963), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 24 – 25 November 1951, the 1st Battalion, commanded by Major Turner, launched an attack to re-secure the strategically important Hill 355 near Kowang-san, Korea, from which friendly forces had been forced to withdraw. Realizing the necessity of perfect radio communication to control the attack and perfect visual observation, Major Turner selected a prominent terrain feature which was then under heavy artillery fire and despite the hostile fire he maintained the position refusing to accept a more accessible but less desirable point as an outpost. In the course of the battle, the intense bombardment on the outpost continued, inflicting numerous casualties, but Major Turner fearlessly remained in his unprotected position directing the attack. Under his unflinching and skillful direction, the attack proved successful and the defeated enemy withdrew from the hill. Realizing the need for close coordination between his companies and the British Commonwealth Division on his left flank, he moved from company to company effecting the integration, thereby insuring the security of the positions. To accomplish this task, he was forced to cross a primary enemy artillery impact area. Although warned of such a move, he unhesitatingly proceeded across the 150 yards of open ground, narrowly escaping being wounded as the enemy shelled the area. Major Turner’s resolute gallantry and courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.



