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 Staff Sergeant Edward K. Masterson (ASN: 39421231), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 19 April 1945, in the vicinity of Triensbach, Germany. The company was under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire when the order to take cover was given. Sergeant Masterson, three times left his position in a ditch dragging to safety in succession each one of three men who were in an open, fire-swept field, and who were unable to move. The intrepidity with which Sergeant Masterson performed this heroic act was an inspiration to all those who witnessed his action and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.