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 Walter J. Collins (ASN: 33142551), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When his platoon was caught in surprise enemy fire on 8 April 1945, Private Collins’ squad leader was seriously wounded and lay in a road directly in the lane of hostile fire. Private Collins immediately started to crawl to the wounded man. Shortly after leaving his covered position, Private Collins was wounded four times by Japanese machine gun fire. However, he continued on and succeeded in dragging the casualty ten yards to a place of safety. There, Private Collins administered first aid to his squad leader and himself and remained until they both could be evacuated. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.