The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter W. Frank (MCSN: 321193), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. While his platoon was attacking behind supporting tanks, Private First Class Frank observed a hostile machine gun that was delivering severe flanking fire on other members of the company advancing behind the tanks. Acting on his own initiative, he boldly charged directly into the face of the machine-gun fire and succeeded in neutralizing the gun and four of its crew, thereby removing an obstacle which was causing many casualties on our troops and was in a position to stop the advance. His outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.