The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter Joseph Siegel (MCSN: 873867), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Admiral’s Orderly, attached to the U.S.S. LOUISVILLE (CA-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 and 6 January 1945. After others had been ordered to take cover during the approach of a hostile suicide plane, Private First Class Siegel gallantly remained in an exposed position in order to render the Admiral a personal service. Realizing after accomplishing his task, that the oncoming plane would strike the ship in the vicinity, he placed himself between the Admiral and the threatening aircraft and, in the ensuing crash was killed. By his courageous spirit of self-sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Siegel upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.