The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Walter S. Van Poyck (ASN: 0-1283345), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 17 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Captain Van Poyck jumped with his company two miles south of the remainder of the battalion. Immediately upon landing, his company engaged a battalion of enemy parachutists, then took up a position astride the *** Highway and effectively met and beat off the German counterattack, blocking their retreat to the south. Captain Van Poyck moved about the position voluntarily exposing himself to draw machine gun and small arms fire causing the enemy to disclose their positions and with his supporting fire forced them to withdraw to the east. His gallant actions inspired his men to drive numerically superior forces from strong defensive positions and insured the successful taking of the vital **** Bridge. 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.