Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Stephen M. Walter (MCSN: 120484/4606642), United States Marine Corps, for exceptional and distinguished bravery and coolness while serving with Company H, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action during a flank attack near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. His company being under terrific machine-gun fire and of shrapnel, Private Walter volunteered to act as scout to locate the machine-guns which were holding back the advance at the time and, after being hit by a large piece of shrapnel which took off one side of his helmet, he did not hesitate but continued his work of locating the machine guns.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 10 (August 31, 1920)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private First Class Stephen M. Walter (MCSN: 120484/4606642), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Walter distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company H, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918, while acting as a scout in advance of his organization.