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S/Sgt Walter was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement near Rothbach, France on 13 January 1945. The citation reads in part: When an enemy night counterattack, supported by intense machine gun fire, drove to within ten feet of S/Sgt Walter and his companion, three hand grenades dropped into their foxhole. The first was thrown from the foxhole by his comrade. When the second one dropped in, S/Sgt Walter jumped on it in an attempt to take he full force of the explosion and save s fellow soldier form injury. Though the missile did not explode, the third grenade seriously wounded the other man and S/Sgt Walter gave him first aid, and then continued to resist the enemy attack.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal a second time for his actions on 27 February 1945, near Stiring Wendel, France. The citation reads in part: During the defense of Kreutzberg Ridge, S/Sgt Walter, platoon leader, realizing the severe strain of the morale of his men caused by the weather and the overwhelming advantage which the terrain afforded the enemy, moved from one foxhole to another, issuing instructions and words of encouragement. Each time he exposed himself, he was subjected to machine gun pistol fire, and after receiving an arm wound, he tenaciously continued at his task for over an hour before consenting to evacuation.

He died of wounds, caused by enemy mortar fire on 11 March 1945.