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Cpl Walter Firestine worked as a copy moulder.

He joined the National Guard in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on September 16th, 1940.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action on 24 December 1944 in the vicinity of ****, Belgium. Cpl Firestine, Assistant Squad Leader, A Company, was in charge of a section of LMG's, which formed the base of fire for a counterattack his company launched to retake a bridgehead. He covered the approaches while his platoon dashed forward. When he moved his gun bearer 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, Cpl 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 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.

Cpl Firestine was killed in action seven days after the incident detailed above and never learned that he had been given this award. He was killed in action due to shellfire nearby on 31 December 1944.