The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Edward F. DeMello (ASN: 31136591), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 11 April 1945 near Schweinfurt, Germany. When heavy casualties were inflicted on his platoon by sniper fire, Corporal DeMello volunteered to crawl forward into the open in order to draw fire and locate the sniper. As he started forward he was wounded in the arm but, despite his wound, he continued on his mission, killing the enemy sniper. By his outstanding courage and initiative Corporal DeMello made it possible for his platoon to continue the attack against the enemy.