The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Hodge (ASN: 0-2006425), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 13 February 1945 in Germany. After capturing Biesdorf, Germany, on 13 February 1945, the occupying troops were harassed by artillery and mortar fire registered from a pillbox on a nearby hill. Lieutenant Hodge and two enlisted men volunteered to destroy the position. While his two companions, armed with demolitions, circled to the rear of the pillbox, Lieutenant Hodge boldly assaulted the front to attract attention from the encircling movement and, after killing a guard, placed such effective fire on the entrance that fourteen enemy soldiers were unable to escape and were forced to surrender. Lieutenant Hodges courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.