The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Walter Bush Kellogg (ASN: 39226689), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at the Shoestring ridge, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 – 26 November 1944. On that night, a company-strength force attacked Company G while Staff Sergeant Kellogg and the six men of his squad were protecting a machine gun position. Under the cover of artillery and mortar fire, the Japanese attacked the gun position. Within minutes, three of Staff Sergeant Kellogg’s men were killed and another three seriously wounded. Ordering his three wounded men to the rear, Staff Sergeant Kellogg determined to hold the position alone. Armed only with his rifle, he held the position against overwhelming numbers of enemy attackers. At time using grenades, his bayonet, and even a knife, Staff Sergeant was eventually mortally wounded while protecting the vital machine gun. Despite his wounds, Staff Sergeant Kellogg remained at his post, defending the machine gun until sawn, As the sun began to come up and the Japanese withdrew, Staff Sergeant Kellogg died at his post. Staff Sergeant Kellogg’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.