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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Edward R. O’Brien (ASN: 0-1165319), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 3 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant O’Brien, a Field Artillery Liaison Officer, voluntarily went forward to serve as Forward Observer during an attack when the regular Forward Observer was not available. Moving to the outpost line of the battalion he immediately brought effective fire to bear on strong enemy forces which were preparing to counterattack. This fire was so effective that the enemy counterattack never materialized. In this exposed outpost, First Lieutenant O’Brien was killed by enemy fire while carrying out his duties as Forward Observer. His aggressiveness and devotion to duty saved the lives of many men and reflects the highest credit on himself and the Airborne Forces.