The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Scott Winn, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 20 April 1945. When the left flank of a battalion of the regiment he commanded was driven back with heavy losses and in great confusion, Colonel Winn immediately grasped the seriousness of the situation, and proceeded at once to the front line. He halted the retreating riflemen, appointed new commanders to replace officers who had become casualties, redistributed the remaining noncommissioned officers, and having reorganized the battalion, led it in the attack. During this period he was continuously subjected to hostile artillery, mortar, and small arms fire. By his personal example, his fearlessness and calm leadership, he restored a critical situation. Later that night he again proceeded to the front line to restore order after his position was threatened. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Winn, 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.