The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter L. Hillstrom (ASN: 37096442), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, 29 September 1944. Private Hillstrom, a driver, Intelligence Section, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, was driving his officer through **** when they were fired upon from ambush by an enemy patrol, and wounding the officer. Private Hillstrom drove his vehicle into a ditch and pulled the officer from the vehicle into the cover afforded by the defilade position. Upon order of the officer, Private Hillstrom surrendered and was taken by a group of six Germans into the woods, where he was forced to carry a wounded enemy captain. When Private Hillstrom was slightly wounded while so engaged, the enemy patrol decided to leave their captain. Discovering that one member of the patrol spoke Swedish, Private Hillstrom convinced him in that tongue that the group should surrender. At that moment, a four-man patrol from Company K, *** Infantry Regiment, was observed by the enemy patrol. Realizing the fact that his comrades were outnumbered, Private Hillstrom convinced the enemy group to hold their fire, moved to a clearing and called to the American patrol to hold their fire, and then directed the enemy group to drop their weapons and approach as prisoners. Private Hillstrom’s initiative, resourcefulness, presence of mind and courage, spell much gallantry in action as to be in accordance with the traditions of the military service.