The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade [then Technician Fifth Grade] Walter F. Harris (ASN: 33631022), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 February 1945. During an attack on strong enemy positions in Manila, Sergeant Harris, a radio operator, courageously accompanied his battalion commander on many hazardous reconnaissance missions well beyond our front lines. Although often under intense enemy mortar and machine gun fire, he remained cool and calm, ably relaying information and the orders of the battalion commander to the troops in the rear. Just as the last phase of the attack was beginning, his battalion commander was fatally wounded by a burst of hostile machine gun fire. However, Sergeant Harris gallantly remained with his dying leader until the assault echelons of rifle companies arrived to seize the positions. 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 and the United States Army.