The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Edward Stephen Bechtold (ASN: 0-19771), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 32d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, on or about 10 July 1943. Although his battalion was not entirely on shore and organized for combat, Colonel Bechtold, despite attacking enemy tanks, supervised the placing of his guns, skillfully directed fire upon the advancing tanks, and succeeded in repulsing the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Bechtold, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Edward Stephen Bechtold (ASN: 0-19771), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 32d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at St. Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Despite intense enemy artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Colonel Bechtold fearlessly reconnoitered strategic gun positions and guided his battalion across densely mined terrain to the selected positions. Lieutenant Colonel Bechtold’s outstanding courage, initiative, and aggressive leadership facilitated effective artillery support for infantry units and contributed immeasurably to the success of the invasion. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Bechtold, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.