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 (Cavalry) Walter J. Easton (ASN: 0-308641), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 2d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 29 April 1945, in Germany and Czechoslovakia. Lieutenant Colonel Easton’s Squadron received the mission of clearing the Eisenstein pass into Czechoslovakia. Lieutenant Colonel Easton having first occupied Zwiesel, vigorously advanced to the two roads leading through the pass. Lieutenant Colonel Easton accompanied his leading elements and so fearlessly did he push his advance that the main force of the enemy was unable to deploy to defend the numerous road blocks along the pass. A force of 4,500 White Russians, fighting for the Germans, was cut off by the advances of Lieutenant Colonel Easton’s Squadron and forced to surrender. Lieutenant Colonel Easton’s courage and leadership as evidenced by his presence with his leading elements throughout the action inspired his men to such a rapid advance that over 5,000 prisoners were taken and the pass was cleared for the advance of an Armored Division a few days later. His quick perception of the advantage of a rapid advance in two columns and the courage in leading these sets him forth as an outstanding leader and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.