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 Private First Class Kenneth Russell Edgar (ASN: US-55077443), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 17 August 1951 in the vicinity of Chukp’O Dong, Korea. On that date, Company F had the supporting fire from Company H’s machine gun sections. The two forces were defending the treacherous mountain Hill 600. At 0900 hours the enemy attack came in superior numbers with mortar support, heavy automatic weapons, small arms, and grenades. Private Edgar was gunner on a machine gun in the forward element of the defense. The enemy started overrunning the positions of the machine gun section when orders were given to withdraw to the main line of defense. Private Edgar, completely disregarding his own safety, remained with his weapon so the section could withdraw with cover fire. While his comrades withdrew to the main line of defense, Private Edgar was severely wounded by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire. He continued to fire the machine gun wounding or killing the enemy in large numbers. After exhausting his supply of ammunition, he was ordered to rejoin the main force. During his perilous trek up the steep mountain, Private Edgar was fatally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His courage in facing overwhelming odds, thinking only of his comrade’s safety, was a manifestation of courage and daring. The extraordinary heroism in action and self-sacrificing spirit displayed by Private Edgar will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.