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 Elzia (Eliza) Montel Edwards (ASN: RA-13358642), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On that date Private Edwards, a tank driver, was in the lead tank of an armored unit going to the aid of friendly elements assaulting an enemy-held hill. In the course of this action, the treacherous road caved in and isolated Private Edward’s tank from the remainder of the column. Taking advantage of the situation, a ferocious hostile force attacked the column from the rear. In an effort to form a defensive perimeter, it was discovered that his tank was unable to move into the position due to the road obstacle. Upon observing this, Private Edwards, voluntarily descended from the armored turret and exposed himself to the concentration of hostile fire in an effort to clear a path for the tank. After successfully accomplishing this mission, he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. As a result of his dauntless courage and self-sacrificing devotion to comrades his tank and its crew were able to return to the assembly area. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Edwards on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.