The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Van J. Wall (MCSN: 491436), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with an anti-tank unit attached to the FIRST Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 27 – 28 December 1943. When hostile forces attempted to break through a position his flank as he led his anti-tank crew without organic weapons or machine guns into the front lines, Corporal Wall unhesitatingly rushed to the threatened area, leading his section through intense enemy opposition to a firing point only twenty-five yards from a hostile gun emplacement. Courageously maintaining his exposed position, he skillfully directed his men until fatally injured by enemy mortar fire on the following day. Corporal Wall’s heroic initiative and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.