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 A. Nagel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 16 February 1944. When his position was attacked by a numerically superior and highly trained enemy force, Sergeant Nagel not only directed his squad of Infantryman without previous combat training in repelling the attack, but engaged the enemy personally at close range with small arms and grenades. He killed one German with a hand grenade, then with rifle and hand grenades led his men in killing or wounding an additional thirteen. By his action he prevented a penetration of the position at a time when all reserves of his company had been committed. Sergeant Nagel’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.