The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Walter E. McGrann, Jr. (ASN: 0-1822424), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 and 4 March 1945 and on 11 April 1945 in the vicinity of Frechen, Modrath, and Bahnef, Germany. On 1 March, Lieutenant McGrann dismounted from his vehicle to reconnoiter an alternate route and guided the platoon to the successful completion of its mission. On 4 March, he made a thorough foot reconnaissance under intense sniper, mortar and self-propelled fire and directed tank destroyer fire in routing the enemy and permitting the infantry to resume its advance. On 11 April, when enemy snipers killed and wounded several infantrymen, Lieutenant McGrann administered aid to the wounded and directed the attack on enemy positions overpowering three enemy strong points and capturing fifty prisoners. His superb display of leadership and great courage were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.