The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Edward Barch (ASN: RA-32278918), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 February 1951, in the vicinity of Kumyangjang, Korea. Sergeant Barch was commander of a tank defending the entrance to the 23d infantry Regimental perimeter. The intensity of the enemy fire had forced nearby infantry units to withdraw. Although Sergeant Barch could have withdrawn his tank to a safer position, he chose to remain in position to halt the oncoming enemy until the infantry units had reorganized behind his tank. He fired the .50 caliber machine gun from the turret of his tank until it was disabled by enemy machine gun fire. He left his head in an exposed position to direct the fire of the tank’s gun. An enemy soldier crawled close enough to throw a satchel charge against the side of the tank, blowing off one wheel and setting the tank afire. Although he was wounded by the explosion, Sergeant Barch personally directed his crew in extinguishing the fire. When he was assured that the infantrymen could carry on, he ordered his tank to the rear and allowed himself to be evacuated. Within two hours he was back on the line continuing his courageous performance of duty. The gallant conduct displayed by Sergeant Barch reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.