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 (Field Artillery) Walter R. Hawbaker (ASN: 0-1175457), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 and 9 July 1944, in France. As an Forward Artillery Observer on duty with infantry assault elements, Second Lieutenant Hawbaker observed friendly tank destroyers firing into the ranks of his comrades. With utter disregard for his safety, he plunged across an area covered by deadly artillery fire, and although wounded painfully, continued on until he reached his objective and stopped the firing. Upon returning to his unit, he discovered some of his men missing in action. Still under heavy fire, and despite the fact he had been without sleep for three days and two nights, he returned to the battle area and searched for his men until ordered back to his organization. The unselfish leadership and personal courage displayed by Second Lieutenant Hawbaker reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.