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 Private First Class Walter L. Coltrin (ASN: 19177285), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 22 September 1944, at ****, Holland. Private First Class Coltrin, an assistant squad leader, Company H, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, acted with such courage and intrepidity during an attack by his company against German position near the town of **** that he was able to assist in the destruction of a machine gun position which threatened the flank of his platoon. Company H attacked eastward from**** toward **** and encountered strong enemy positions defending that town. A German machine gun, sited to place grazing fire, pinned down at least half of the left flank platoons and retarded the progress of the company advance. Private First Class Coltrin maneuvered to a position from which he was able to attack this gun position with rifle and grenades. He killed two of the gun crew before other enemy could bring fire upon him. His swift, daring action momentarily neutralized this machine gun position and diverted the fire from his platoon, enabling his platoon to place effective fire against this position. Private First Class Coltrin was killed while in this act. The conduct of Private First Class Coltrin reflects the highest credit upon himself, his organization, and the Army of the United States.