The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Walter I. Hokenson (ASN: 39175761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 753d Tank Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 9 April 1945, in the vicinity of Lebenbacherhof, Germany. When his tank was moving to the rear to reload with ammunition, Sergeant Hokenson observed four wounded infantrymen lying about 100 yards away. With two companions, he dismounted in the face of enemy small arms fire and after placing the wounded men on the tank, evacuated them to the battalion aid station. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Sergeant Hokenson reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.