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 Walter M. Phillips, Jr. (ASN: 33654192), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 104th Infantry Division in Germany, on 17 November 1944. On that date, Sergeant Phillips was reconnaissance sergeant of a forward observer team attached to an infantry company. The enemy unleashed a fierce counter attack in the early morning hours, subjecting the company to an intense machine gun, mortar, and small arms barrage. During the attack the forward observer was wounded in the arm and Sergeant Phillips voluntarily assumed the responsibility of translating fire commands to the radio operator. The impact of the attack forced the company to withdraw to a wooded area and regroup, but Sergeant Phillips, at great risk to his life and in the face of fierce enemy fire, remained at his post with his forward observer and continued his firing missions, succeeding in laying down a smoke concentration under cover of which the company was able to withdraw. After the evacuation of his forward observer, Sergeant Phillips continued to prepare fires, and upon reaching the comparative safety of the woods he constantly exposed himself to enemy machine gun fire in order to carry out his self-assigned mission. His bravery, initiative, and leadership, above and beyond the call of duty, materially minimized the number of casualties of the infantry company he was supporting, and reflects the highest credit on Sergeant Phillips and the armed forces of the United States.