Morris Warren Walker

Technical Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant, [then Sergeant] Morris W. Walker (ASN: 38025493), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with 36th Infantry Division, in Italy on 21 to 22 January 1944.

TO: MORRIS W. WALKER, Tech. Sgt., Infantry, San Saba, Texas. FOR: On the night of Jan. 21, 1944 in Italy, Sgt. Walker was assigned the mission of leading a machine gun section of his Infantry company across the Rapido River. While attempting the crossing the area was covered by heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire and the rubber assault boat being used by the section was destroyed. On the morning of Jan. 22 he succeeded in getting his men across the river where the positions were constantly being subjected to enemy machire gun, artillery and mortar fire, which resulted in heavy casualties. Constantly exposing himself to this fire, Sgt. Walker moved among his men, seeing they were properly protected. He then volunteered to cross to the east side of the river and secure artillery support, and, in returning, took three walking wounded soldiers with him. Finding the pontoon bridge destroyed, he swam the swiftly flowing river and brought back a rubber boat, successfully evacuating the wounded men. He then delivered the message calling for artillery support.

His courage, leadership and devotion to duty reflect great courage on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awarded the Purple Heart (in a different action wounded by artillery shrapnel).