The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter H. Eckinger, Jr. (MCSN: 921837), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Tank Liaison Team of Company A, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 5 March 1945. Proceeding well forward of our own lines in the face of enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, Private First Class Eckinger encountered and destroyed a hostile machine-gun emplacement and a mortar position and, completing his reconnaissance mission, returned to the lines with the information which enabled tanks and infantry to make a substantial gain. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.