The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Walter J. McDow (ASN: RA-18374686), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on 18 October 1951. Sergeant First Class McDow’s company had the mission of taking and securing a strategic peak on a ridgeline which led to a major objective. As Sergeant McDow, Acting Platoon Leader, led his men up the steep ridge, the enemy suddenly subjected them to a withering hail of small arms, automatic weapons, grenade and mortar fire. Several of the friendly troops were hit by the initial burst of fire, including the medical aidman who had attempted to give aid to the wounded. Seeing this, Sergeant McDow, with complete disregard for his own safety, jumped from his position of cover into the murderous enemy fire and raced to the aidman. Carrying him to safety, he administered first aid and then, picking up the man’s first aid kit, went back two more times, evacuating men to safety and giving them medical aid. On the fourth trip into the exposed area, an enemy concussion grenade exploded near him, temporarily stunning him. Although suffering intense pain, he resolutely carried two more men to safety, and then led the assault squad in a successful attack on the objective. Sergeant First class McDow’s courageous actions, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to his comrades reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.