The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward L. Colburn, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During withdrawal of his Company under heavy enemy fire from positions near San Fratelle, Sicily, on 6 August 1943, Private First Class Colburn observed that a seriously wounded member of his platoon had been left behind. He returned voluntarily through 500 yards of exposed area, through intense fire from four enemy machine guns, approximately 30 riflemen, heavy mortars, and a heavy artillery barrage being laid by our own artillery to cover withdrawal of the company in order to rescue the wounded man. Carrying the injured man on his shoulder, Private First Class Colburn returned through this same fire to safety and medical aid. His heroic and gallant conduct under enemy fire saved the life of the wounded man and reflects credit upon himself and the military service.