The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Walker A. Reaves (MCSN: 0-4328), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain during World War II. Assigned the difficult mission of defending the left flank of an assault force which was attacking across a low coastal plain while his battalion’s zone of action ran through the hilly, swamp-infested jungle, Lieutenant Colonel Reaves brilliantly led his men across the treacherous terrain in the face of concentrated enemy machine-gun fire from cleverly concealed pillboxes. Disregarding the constant hostile fire, he skillfully directed his assault formations effectively and employed supporting artillery and auxiliary weapons to maintain pace with the main body of troops. By his courageous leadership and professional ability, Lieutenant Colonel Reaves aided greatly in the ultimate success of a hazardous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.