The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter E. Cole, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 November 1950. Suddenly confronted by an enemy tank while advancing as fire team leader at the point of a motorized patrol, Private First Class Cole bravely climbed onto the hostile vehicle in an attempt to open the hatch and deposit a hand grenade within. Unable to open the cover, he knocked down the periscope and thereby allowed another Marine to drop a grenade into the aperture. When the tank moved a few yards and stopped, Private First Class Cole again mounted it to make a second attempt to disable it and, by his daring initiative, succeeded in destroying the tank’s firing power. By his marked courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Cole reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.