The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Ollie W. Edwards (ASN: 0-2212000), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near the Kum River, Korea, on 16 July 1950. His battalion was defending the Kum River line against fanatic attacks by the numerically superior enemy. After the battle had raged for several hours it became evident that the battalion was in grave danger of being surrounded. Lieutenant Edwards volunteered to make contact with the adjacent unit or his battalion headquarters to determine the overall plan in order that he might best place his section of heavy machine guns to cover the withdrawal of the battalion. With utter disregard for personal safety, he made his way, through exposed areas, covered by a heavy concentration of machine gun and small arms fire and returned with vital information concerning the movement. During the withdrawal when the enemy occupied positions along the route, he voluntarily organized and led groups in taking the enemy positions under fire. His fearless actions aided materially in the battalion’s successful withdrawal as well as causing heavy casualties among the enemy force. Lieutenant Edwards’ gallant example and devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.