The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Wray Earl Walker (ASN: RA-12847724), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Walker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1969 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh Tuong Province. When a platoon of his company was hit by a numerically superior hostile force, Sergeant Walker’s platoon was immediately inserted to reinforce the ambushed unit. Several casualties were inflicted during the initial moments of contact. Pinned down by intense automatic weapons and RPG fire, the platoon’s wounded personnel lay exposed to the barrage of incoming rounds. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Walker exposed himself to heavy machine gun and RPG fire and maneuvered over 300 meters of open booby-trapped terrain to reach his wounded comrades, drag them to a safer area and prepare them for medical evacuation. In addition he bravely returned suppressive fire to the enemy allowing his men to give aid to the other wounded. These courageous actions resulted in every casualty being removed from the exposed positions. Sergeant Walker exerted himself so greatly during the battle that he himself was wounded and then evacuated. His unselfish efforts to rescue the wounded was responsible for the saving of many men who would have otherwise bled to death or been killed by the intense enemy fire. Sergeant Walker’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.