The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward J. Marn, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with a military operation against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division. Near Franzenbad, Germany, on 26 April 1945, Lieutenant Marn. an 81-mm. mortar section leader supporting a rifle company in attack laid 400 yards of wire in the face of intense small arms and artillery fire to a forward observation post which he established and maintained. His gallant conduct on this occasion materially aided the advance of his company and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.