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 Private Walter Vladimir Karda, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 10 January 1943. Private Karda was advancing with his platoon on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, when one of the flank men was shot. He drawled behind his own firing line to carry him back to the company first aid men as the fire was too heavy for them to reach the wounded soldier. Private Karda again moved forward and was within six yards of the other wounded man when a Japanese sniper’s bullet struck him in the stomach. He managed to crawl back to a protecting ridge, where his buddies dragged him to the company aid station. Private Karda’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 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.