The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James T. Walker, Jr. (ASN: 0-241065), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, from 8 to 10 November 1944. On the night of 8 November Colonel Walker, commanding the 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, led his troops across two swollen streams to seize a line of departure for an assault against the western edge of the ****. On the following morning, after the reserve company had been committed, a misunderstood order started a withdrawal of a portion of the other troops. With utter disregard for personal safety, Colonel Waller moved among the elements involved, restored control and continued the attack. On the following afternoon the enemy launched a strong counterattack. The battalion was deployed in dense woods, making control difficult. Colonel Walker personally directed his troops in repulsing the attack, remaining constantly in the thick of the action. The enemy launched another strong attack at dusk, striking from the front and rear and overrunning the battalion command post. Despite the precariousness of the situation, Colonel Walker refused to withdraw, and personally organized and led a counterattack which drove off the enemy and secured the battalion position. He then led a small patrol which seized a building ahead of the front line, organized an attack which, in conjunction with other attacking elements of the regiment, resulted in clearing the entire forest of the enemy. Colonel Walker’s outstanding leadership and gallantry in action are in accord with the highest traditions of the military service.