The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Walter Thomas Stevens (MCSN: 2244778), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 May 1967 while on a search and destroy operation near the village of Phu An in Quang Tri Province, Corporal Stevens’ company became heavily engaged with a well entrenched force of North Vietnamese Regulars. Realizing the enemy was advancing down a narrow flanking trench line, Corporal Stevens maneuvered his squad into positions where they could place accurate fire on the advancing enemy. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to the enemy fire, Corporal Stevens entered the trench complex and personally killed three of the enemy. Observing two seriously wounded Marines exposed to enemy fire in an open field, Corporal Stevens rep-positioned his squad to provide covering fire for a rescue attempt. With full knowledge of the dangers involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Stevens again exposed himself to enemy fire and courageously dashed into the open field where he successfully assisted the wounded men to cover. Upon returning, Corporal Stevens refused to take advantage of the limited cover available and resumed his blocking position within the trench line. His timely actions and skill in directing his squad’s fire enabled other friendly units to flank the enemy and destroy them. By his courage, fearless initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Stevens upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.