The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Harold E. Edwards (ASN: 34875741), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Rochlitz, Germany, on 14 April 1945. During the initial establishment of a strongly contested bridgehead across the river Zwickauer Mulde, two men were seriously wounded and unable to return to the friendly shore. Private Edwards, as Company Aid Man, fearlessly went to treat them. Although wounded as he reached the bridge, he ignored his own condition, protecting a wounded officer’s body with his own until he was mortally wounded. His courage and unselfishness were exemplary; his willingness to give his life for his comrades is in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.



