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 Staff Sergeant Virgil O. Walters (ASN: 39171265), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, on 29 September 1944. During a heavy engagement with the enemy in the ****, Sergeant Walters, a squad leader, skillfully reorganized his depleted squad to serve as flank security for his company. Although exposed to enemy fire aimed directly at him, he moved about among his men, instructing and encouraging them, and placing them in advantageous positions. He then commenced to evacuate several of his wounded men for medical attention. While returning to his squad to evacuate other wounded he was killed by enemy fire. Sergeant Walters’ leadership, his zealous devotion to duty and his courage, constitute such gallantry in action as to be in accord with the military traditions of the United States.