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 Corporal Walter Firestine (ASN: 20330357), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 24 December 1944, in the vicinity of ****, Belgium. Corporal Firestine, Assistant Squad Leader, Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was in charge of a section of light machine guns which formed the base of fire for a counterattack his company launched to retake a bridgehead. He covered the enemy approaches while his platoon dashed forward. When he moved his gun nearer to the bridge to cover a further advance of the assault force, his crew became casualties and the tripod for the gun was lost. Without hesitation, Corporal Firestine picked up the gun and continued firing the machine gun from his hip. Upon reaching the bridge he fired from a prone position with no tripod, holding the hot barrel up with his left hand although it seared his palm, but he did not allow this to interfere with his fire. His gallant actions assured the success of the counterattack and reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.