The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Arnold Vandervalk (ASN: 0-1997773), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Office of Strategic Services from 17 September to 13 November 1944. Operating under conditions of the greatest peril for a period of more than three weeks and without regard to his personal safety, he brought to completion an important mission in aid of the United States Army.