The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for heroic achievement in action against the enemy on 27 and 28 February 1951 in the vicinity of Ungyo-ri, Korea. Throughout this period while his battalion was attacking one hill after another, Colonel Edwards was ever present with most forward elements of his command, personally leading and directing assaults upon hostile strong points. On numerous occasions in the midst of attacks when hostile resistance was greatest, Colonel Edwards, fully exposing himself to enemy fire, rallied his troops for renewed assaults. He was personally and directly responsible for the gallant achievement of his battalion in securing the road leading to the embattled friendly units which had been blocked by the enemy, thus preventing supply trains from reaching the units. Colonel Edwards’ aggressive action and keen tactical judgement resulted in the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force with few casualties among his men. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Colonel Edwards reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 19 September 1950 near Changnyong, Korea. On that date he was in a forward observation post while his battalion was attacking an enemy force entrenched on high ground along the Naktong River. When one company was pinned down by intense machine gun and mortar fire, he personally led a 75-mm. recoilless rifle and machine gun squad to a position from which they were able to neutralize the enemy fire, enabling the company to advance and take its objective. Although he was by now the center of the concentrated fire power of the enemy, he fearlessly remained in his position to observe and direct the movements of his unit. As a result of his heroic action, an enemy force of estimated battalion strength was driven from its positions and this objective, once secured, reduced all organized resistance east of the Naktong River in the battalion sector. The heroism displayed by Colonel Edwards reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for heroic achievement near Yundong-ni, Korea, on 12 March 1951. On that date his battalion had the mission of seizing the town of Yundong-ni. During the attack he personally directed artillery and mortar fire upon the enemy from a position on a hilltop which was exposed to heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire. Realizing that quick action was necessary in order to take the town before dark, Colonel Edwards personally led a tank-infantry force toward the town. After assuring himself that this force would be able to capture Yundong-ni, he returned alone through heavy sniper and mortar fire to his observation post from which he directed artillery and mortar fire upon enemy groups fleeing to the north. As a result of his courageous and aggressive leadership, two enemy battalions were thoroughly defeated, suffering heavy casualties. The heroic conduct of Colonel Edwards on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. When the enemy succeeded in creating a small gap in the friendly line, Colonel Edwards immediately went to the threatened area, exposing himself to intense enemy fire to direct the action of the platoon whose mission was to close the gap. Later in the day when his battalion was assigned as rear guard for the regiment during a withdrawal, Colonel Edwards remained with the last platoon in the battalion, under heavy enemy small arms fire, to direct the rear guard action. His coolness and courage under fire were an inspiration to the men in his battalion. The heroic conduct and inspiring leadership displayed by Colonel Edwards reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 2 March 1951 in the vicinity of Kyechon-ni, Korea. On this date Colonel Edwards’ battalion had the mission of attacking and securing Hill 778. Despite the continuous pressure of a numerically superior enemy force the 2d Battalion was able to secure and hold the objective. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Edwards constantly exposed himself to intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, while directing fire on enemy positions. His efforts resulted in many enemy casualties and were instrumental in the success of the combat mission. The heroism displayed by Colonel Edwards reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.