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), [then Captain] William Walton (ASN: 0-391809), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Torigni-sur-Vire, France, on 31 July 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Walton assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, in the absence of both the Battalion Commander and the Battalion Executive Officer, while the battalion was engaged in an attack against heavily entrenched enemy forces in the vicinity of Torigni-sur-Vire, France. Leaving his normal duties as S-3 of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Walton left the comparative safety of the town of Torigni-sur-Vire to move the location of the two front line rifle companies of the battalion which were becoming disorganized and had been stopped in their attack by heavy enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. It was necessary for him to cross about four hundred yards of open terrain which was under enemy observation and which was being heavily shelled by both enemy mortars and 88-mm. guns. Upon reaching the location of the front line companies, Lieutenant Colonel Walton contacted the company commanders and, remaining with them under continuing heavy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, directed the organization of the disorganized troops and redeployed them so decisively and in such a manner that the enemy forces were forced to retire and the battalion objective was secured. 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.