The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Walter Joseph Bryde, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bryde distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Operations Officer of the 3d Field Artillery Battalion, 34th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during a river operation in Kien Hoa Province in the Mekong Delta in the Republic of Vietnam, on 12 April 1969. After his boat column came under intense enemy shore fire, Major Bryde took up an exposed position on the deck of his vessel to direct movement of the boats and adjust return fire against the hostile positions. His courageous actions and skillful leadership throughout the battle resulted in a rout of the enemy forces and minimized casualties and damage to the boat column. Major Bryde’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.