The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert M. Walker (ASN: 6668890), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. When wire communications failed during a determined enemy counterattack, Private Walker volunteered to cross terrain under withering machine gun fire to deliver an urgent message to higher headquarters. Despite numerous hazards, he pushed forward and accomplished his mission, thereby enabling the battalion to seize its objective. Private First Class Walker’s 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 Army.