The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Walter M. Sharp, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division at Cape Gloucester on 3 January 1944. Braving an intense barrage of machine gun and rifle fire, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Sharp entered the dense jungle to effect the rescue of six wounded comrades and, after administering first aid, supervised their evacuation over extremely difficult terrain. When an entire platoon was pinned down by Japanese fire, he crawled into the dangerous area to care for the injured Marines. 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.