The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter Francis Kasterko (MCSN: 1015829), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 November 1950. With his platoon forced to withdraw to a more favorable tactical position following a fierce counterattack by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Kasterko voluntarily remained behind to engage the leading elements of the enemy group in close combat in order to cover the withdrawal of the platoon’s outpost and the removal of casualties. By his courageous initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unselfish devotion to duty, Private First Class Kasterko was directly responsible for the safe retirement of his platoon and undoubtedly contributed to saving the lives of three Marine casualties, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.