The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Allen Walker, Jr. (ASN: US-53024294), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 April 1952, elements of Company I were assigned the mission of assaulting a strongly fortified enemy outpost near Maktae-dong, Korea, a position from which the foe had inflicted severe damage to friendly forces in the past. Having secured the first enemy trench, the assault group continued its advance up the hill until it came under intense hostile machine gun and small arms fire. Realizing that the entire assault wave was pinned down and that heavy casualties would be inflicted if the enemy positions were not neutralized, Corporal Walker, second in command of the assault wave, instructed two riflemen to cover him as he moved over the fire swept terrain toward the hostile bunker. On two occasions he was forced to take cover from the withering hail of enemy fire directed at him but, determinedly, he continued his advance. Approximately ten yards from the bunker, he fired his carbine with such speed and accuracy that the foe was forced to take cover. Pressing his advantage, he threw hand grenades into the aperture of the bunker until the position was effectively neutralized. Corporal Walker’s outstanding gallantry and inspirational leadership were instrumental to the success of the mission and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.