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 (Infantry) Walter Charles Sluzas (ASN: 0-425277), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. During heavy enemy counterattacks, Lieutenant Sluzas organized and led his men, who were normally communications men, into battle. He was continually exposed to fire of enemy riflemen, and in several instances, he personally destroyed several of the enemy from very close quarters. On one occasion Lieutenant Sluzas was ordered to the rear to reconnoiter for a new command post, instead he sent his Assistant Communication Officer to the rear, while he remained in the front lines. The manner in which Lieutenant Sluzas conducted himself during the day’s action was instrumental in the success of the company in driving back the enemy, and his utter disregard for his own safety gave the men under him the confidence of front line troops.