The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Edmund S. Fraley (ASN: 36062432), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company H, *** Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, on 8 November 1944, in the vicinity of Hannabois Woods, France. In the fierce initial action of an attack on German strong points in Hannabois Woods, Staff Sergeant Fraley, Machinegun Section Leader in Company H, *** Infantry Regiment, was severely wounded by enemy fire. Refusing evacuation Staff Sergeant Fraley courageously stayed with his section and despite increasing enemy fire he directed the emplacing of his machinegun in a position from which it delivered conspicuously effective supporting fire to the advancing rifle companies. Staff Sergeant Fraley’s heroic behavior greatly aided his unit in achieving its objective. His clear valor reflects distinct honor upon himself, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.