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), [then Second Lieutenant] Walter S. Aitken (ASN: 0-1328368), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 11 June 1945. First Lieutenant Aitken’s platoon, supported by four medium tanks, was making an attack in Orioung Pass when the enemy suddenly opened fire and seriously wounded a soldier who lay in a completely exposed position. Leaving his covered position behind a tank, First Lieutenant Aitken courageously braved the hostile fire and carried the man to a position of safety. Then he brought forward a group of riflemen to place fire on the Japanese. During the action that followed, Second Lieutenant Aitken continually exposed himself to direct the fire of his men, and when an order came to withdraw, he personally stayed behind in a precarious position and covered the withdrawal until every man had reached a sheltered position. His heroic action permitted his platoon to withdraw without further casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Aitken, 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.