The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Walter L. Minnick (ASN: 33858757), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 February 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Minnick rose in the face of murderous machine gun fire and rushed to a position held by his section leader just as he was wounded. Disregarding the enemy fire spraying around him, he administered first aid to his section leader and then stubbornly remained in his exposed position firing. Private First Class Minnick’s fire was so effective that the enemy were forced to withdraw, thereby allowing a pinned down platoon to advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Minnick, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.