Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 13 – 17, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 192 (June 18, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Benjamin M. Walker (ASN: 0-59054), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 13 to 17 February 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea. During that period he was communications officer for the 23d Infantry Regiment which was completely surrounded by large enemy forces at Chipyong-ni. Heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire repeatedly severed communication lines between various units, and in order to supervise the repair of these lines he remained in the open, exposed to the flying shrapnel almost constantly. At times the enemy fire was of such intensity that it appeared almost impossible to maintain radio and telephone communications, but Captain Walker’s courageous example throughout encouraged his men to continue to devote their best efforts to the maintenance of communications. On several occasions he personally led wire teams under heavy enemy fire to breaks in communication lines in outpost positions and supervised their repair. His indomitable courage and confident attitude under the most hazardous conditions were a great source of inspiration to all of his men. The gallant conduct of Captain Walker during this action reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.