The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Technical Sergeant] Walter G. Gawel (ASN: 0-200776), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During an attack on a bitterly defended building in Manila on 18 February 1945, a squad from Sergeant Gawel’s platoon suffered heavy casualties and was unable to maneuver because of the intense hostile fire. Quickly estimating the situation, Sergeant Gawel dashed across a street exposed to the Japanese fire and reached a position in an adjacent building affording him maximum observation, fields of fire, and control of his platoon. Then he deliberately exposed himself to the enemy and attracted the hostile fire. As the Japanese revealed their positions, Sergeant Gawel skillfully smoked the hostile emplacements with grenades, enabling his squad to withdraw to safety and consolidate its position. Sergeant Gawel was fatally wounded several months later in action against the enemy. 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.