The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 and 23 August 1950 at Myen-Yeng, Korea. On 22 August 1950 the 2d Battalion was astride the Teagu-Taejon highway, with the mission of protecting the 8th and 37th Field Artillery Battalions. Late in the afternoon of 22 August 1950, the battalion was attacked from the east by an enemy Division. Colonel Edwards ordered his battalion to hold its position at all costs. He then ordered a series of limited objective attacks to secure higher ground to the front and right flank of the battalion, thereby obtaining positions better suited for the defense of the area. During the night of 22 – 23 August 1950, he directed the preparation of plans for a counterattack in all company sectors to dislodge and destroy all enemy in the area. The following morning the battalion attacked, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Before the morning’s action was over, the remnants of the enemy attacking force withdrew, leaving the 2d Battalion in complete command of the situation. During the entire operation, Colonel Edwards occupied a forward observation post where he was subjected to almost continuous machine gun and small arms fire. His complete disregard for his personal safety was an inspiration to all personnel near him, and contributed greatly to the final routing of the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Edwards, his inspirational leadership, tactical ability, and unremitting devotion to duty, reflect credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950 near Kujang-dong, Korea. On that date the 2d Battalion was engaged in an assault upon an enemy-held hill. In a forward observation post which was under enemy mortar and machine gun fire, he calmly remained in position and directed the attack of two of his companies. Later that night, when the enemy succeeded in stopping the attack and in breaking through forward lines, Colonel Edwards personally led his Command Group in setting up a new defense line to which the assault elements of his battalion could fall back. At 2300 hours, he directed a counterattack which was successful in recovering the abandoned command post area, wounded men, and equipment. Throughout this action, he was under heavy enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire, but remained constantly exposed in order to direct personally the action of his unit. His heroic and inspiring leadership on this occasion was directly responsible for preventing any further enemy penetration. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Edwards reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Majang, Korea. During the period 30 December 1950 to 15 January 1951, Colonel Edwards’ battalion was given the mission of reducing a roadblock held by an enemy force estimated at regimental strength. Due largely to his inspiring leadership and sound tactical knowledge, the assaults launched by the battalion met with outstanding success. In holding their newly gained positions, the unit was constantly under the intense fire of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortars. During one of the numerous counterattacks hurled against them, the battalion command post, from which Colonel Edwards was directing his troops, was attacked by an enemy force numbering 150. After a savage three hour battle, Colonel Edwards, with only a handful of men, succeeded in beating off the hostile troops. The courage, aggressive leadership and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Edwards in this action reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Walter Edwards (ASN: 0-30274), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed 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 the most forward elements of his command, personally leading and directing assaults upon hostile strong points. On numerous occasion 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 judgment resulted in the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force with few casualties among his men. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Colonel Edwards reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.