The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant] Walter Stasko (ASN: 32038026), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Technical Sergeant Stasko was assigned to duty with an infantry organization engaged in a bitter fight with the enemy. During the engagement, a group of our soldiers became cut off and were surrounded by hostile forces. When he was appraised of the situation, Technical Sergeant Stasko voluntarily led a patrol through the enemy lines to the isolated group. The patrol was successful in locating the group, but, while returning with them was attacked by vastly superior enemy forces. With complete unselfishness, Technical Sergeant Stasko ran into an extremely hazardous spot to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the group and stayed in this dangerous position until all of his comrades had made a successful withdrawal. By his actions, forty-five of his comrades were saved from possible annihilation by the enemy. The gallant leadership and unselfish devotion to duty exhibited by Technical Sergeant Stasko reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.