The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Walter G. Stockdale, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company A, 19th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, at Senonchamps, Belgium, on 29 December 1944. The tank commanded by First Lieutenant Stockdale was disabled by enemy anti-tank fire and he sustained a fractured knee. Despite the hindrance of his painful injury, First Lieutenant Stockdale skillfully removed a seriously wounded crew member from the burning tank and slowly and laboriously carried him through concentrated enemy artillery fire to medical aid. The unflinching devotion to duty, utter disregard for personal safety, and loyalty to a wounded soldier displayed by First Lieutenant Stockdale undoubtedly saved the man’s life, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.