The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Robert Eastman (ASN: 0-1293933), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Battalion Operations Officer with an Infantry Battalion of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 and 6 November 1944 near Pinamopean, Leyte, Philippine Islands. Severe enemy attacks on a reinforced rifle company defending a recently captured hill on Pinamopean Ridge had seriously weakened a portion of the perimeter. When the leader and sergeant of the platoon in that sector were wounded, Lieutenant Eastman, Battalion Operations Officer, voluntarily took command. Preceded by an intense mortar and grenade barrage, the enemy attacked again. Repelling the assault with bayonets and hand-to-hand fighting, every man of Lieutenant Eastman’s platoon became a casualty. During the night he reorganized his defense, placing the lightly wounded where they could fire when the enemy counter-attacked and reinforcing his positions in time to repulse the next charge which came just before dawn. When heavy casualties and a shortage of ammunition forced a withdrawal, he volunteered for and received command of the rear guard and held the hill while the company withdrew. Finally, destroying the remaining arms and equipment, he and his small force fought a series of delaying actions as they retired. Throughout the two day period his initiative, fearlessness and battlefield leadership were a constant source of inspiration to his men and their heroic rearguard action insured the safe withdrawal of the company. First Lieutenant Eastman’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.