The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Will L. Walton (MCSN: 0-9885), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 22 February 1944. When all of his comrades except one were killed in an attempt to land in the face of an enfilading barrage of enemy machine gun fire, Captain Walton immediately organized remnants of other assault units on the beach and directed a fierce assault into strongly fortified enemy positions containing a block house numerous pill boxes and spider type trenches. By his own indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty he inspired his men to continue the relentless assault and overrun the enemy, thereby securing the right flank of the Battalion Landing Team and contributing materially to the ultimate destruction of enemy forces on the island. His cool courage, resourceful initiative and forceful leadership throughout the hazardous operation reflect the highest credit upon Captain Walton and the United States Naval Service.