The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter H. Burt, Jr. (ASN: 0-1319550), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Sand, Germany, on 18 March 1945. When his platoon was impeded by an intense machine gun concentration from a strongly fortified enemy emplacement, Lieutenant Burt, despite an intense mortar and artillery barrage, courageously moved across perilous terrain to an exposed observation point. Then he fearlessly crawled within range and, with accurately thrown hand grenades, silenced the hostile strongpoint, inflicted severe casualties and captured a number of prisoners. Lieutenant Burt’s gallant actions and outstanding initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.