The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter Kisala (MCSN: 2079832), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of a reconnaissance team of Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, operating deep in Viet Cong territory, northwest of Ba To, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, on 13 February 1966. When his team was discovered in its observation post by a larger force of Viet Cong, Private Kisala calmly and immediately informed his commanding officer of the situation by radio. When helicopters arrived to retract the team, he voluntarily and boldly turned to face intense enemy small arms fire being delivered from covered positions on the high ground above him. Realizing that he was in a dangerous situation, but with complete disregard for his own safety, he provided his teammates with covering fire enabling them to reach the helicopter. Continuing to fire despite shouts from his other teammates to join them; he was finally struck and killed by a Viet Cong bullet. Private Kisala’s heroic conduct and courageous fighting spirit culminated in the gallant sacrifice of his own life in the cause of freedom.