Walter H. Moon

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter H. Moon (0-63424), Major (Infantry), [then Captain], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations during the period April 1961 to July 1961. Major Moon was serving in an advisory capacity in Laos when he was captured by hostile forces. From the initial time of his capture, he was kept in solitary confinement and subjected to extreme mistreatment, abuse and vile physical environment. Despite the never-ending brutalities, he constantly demonstrated boldness, tenacity, and courage by his continuous overt actions against his captors. Although faced with insurmountable odds, he repeatedly attempted to escape and was seriously wounded during his first break for freedom. From the time of his first attempt to escape until his death, he refused to collaborate with, and resisted the cruel efforts of his captors and prevented their making propaganda capital at the expense of the United States. Wounded, and weakened physically, Major Moon fought with the guards inflicting as much bodily harm on them as possible, until he was completely overpowered and mortally wounded. Major Moon’s intrepid conduct, aggressive actions and self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 52 (December 18, 1963)