The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph E. Walkney (ASN: 33265876), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 592d Engineer Shore Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action in the Admiralty Islands on 4 March 1944. After his platoon had been driven back from a heavy machine gun position, Corporal Walkney voluntarily left shelter, reassembled the gun and put it into action, contributing greatly to the success of the American defense. After the enemy had been driven off, he was found, still at the gun where he had died after his ammunition gave out.