The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Edward J. Hagan, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 14 January 1944. With the troops battling up Hill 660 at Cape Gloucester, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hagan realized it was impossible to evacuate the wounded under the fire of the entrenched enemy. Disregarding his personal safety, he crawled to the top of the hill and, in the face of severe Japanese machine gun and rifle fire, skillfully administered aid to the injured. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.