The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Walter J. Washut (MCSN: 2156755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 April and 20 May 20, 1967. During the battle for Hill 881 on 30 April, Corporal Washut’s unit was engaged in intensive fighting against deeply entrenched North Vietnamese Regulars. Observing several dead and wounded Marines in ann open area covered by intense machine gun and rifle fire, he courageously, and with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered through the intense fire, making repeated trips until all casualties were safely evacuated. He distinguished himself again on the night of 20 May, while his platoon was moving through dense underbrush and was ambushed and cut off from the main body of the unit. In the initial burst of devastating enemy automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire, numerous casualties were taken. He immediately deployed his platoon and directed their fire into the enemy positions, allowing the platoon to break contact and fight their way back to the company position. After reaching the company positions, he courageously moved from position to position directing his men’s fire upon the enemy. Observing an enemy mortar delivering fire upon his men, he procured an anti-tank assault weapon and fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy fire, single-handedly destroyed the position. Hearing a wounded comrade trapped outside the perimeter, near the enemy lines, he heroically, and with complete disregard for his own safety rushed to aid him. Upon finding several more wounded, he summoned aid and directed their evacuation, but remained behind to administer first aid to the wounded man. While administering first aid to his fallen comrade, Corporal Washut was mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative and loyal devotion to his comrades, Corporal Washut upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.