The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter H. Hammer, Jr. (MCSN: 873054), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Fourth Pioneer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Voluntarily risking the strong tide and enemy artillery fire falling in the area, Private First Class Hammer swam to the aid of a helpless comrade who had fallen into the sea and after being buffeted by the waves and continually thrown against a beach craft finally succeeded in rescuing the heavily encumbered and floundering Marine. After carrying him ashore, he applied artificial respiration and quickly revived the nearly drowned man. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.