The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander Walter Manly Foster (NSN: 0-63380), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MOALE (DD-693), in action on the night of 2 – 3 December 1944. He participated in an attack on enemy shipping in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippine Islands. By his daring and skillful ship-maneuvering, in spite of air attacks and heavy fire from enemy batteries, Commander Foster pressed the attack, inflicting considerable damage to Japanese ships, thereby thwarting their attempts to reinforce hard-pressed land forces. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Walter Manly Foster (NSN: 0-63380), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MOALE (DD-693) during the amphibious operations on Mindoro, Philippine Islands, from 12 to 17 December 1944. While his ship was under enemy air attack, Commander Foster succeeded in destroying, at close quarters, two enemy planes bent on crashing him. He also assisted in shooting down three other planes. When a nearby landing ship was set afire, he made a valiant attempt to save the ship and succeeded in rescuing all the survivors in spite of severe explosions. He was also of inestimable value in effecting prompt and effective repairs to complicated devices which kept the ship in fighting order. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.