The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Walter E. Spence (ASN: 35659183), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. At 1300 hours on 5 April 1945, near Heiligkrouz, Germany, Staff Sergeant Spence led a three-man patrol forward to wipe out an enemy road block whose direct fire had temporarily halted his company’s advance. Advancing to within twenty-five yards of the Germans, Staff Sergeant Spence killed one enemy soldier within twenty-five yards of the Germans with his M-1 rifle and wounded a second German. Then assaulting the hostile strongpoint, Staff Sergeant Spence succeeded in wounding three more Germans and forced four more Germans to surrender. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Spence, 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.