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 D. Sparks (ASN: 34763899), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Private Sparks’ company was advancing through the rubble-strewn streets of Intramuros District in Manila on 23 February 1945, when sudden enemy fire seriously wounded an American soldier, who lay in a completely exposed position. Private Sparks, with utter disregard for his personal safety, ran 50 yards through the hostile fire toward the wounded man. When he was approximately 5 yards from the casualty, two Japanese soldiers suddenly appeared from their place of hiding among the rubble and attempted to bayonet the injured man. Private Sparks, continuing to move forward, fired from the hip and killed both enemy. He then partially carried and dragged the wounded man under the hostile fire to the safety of a stone wall, and immediately summoned medical aid. 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.