The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Edgar R. Fenstemacher (ASN: 0-59780), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Regimental Headquarters, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action 16 – 17 July 1950, near the Kum River, Korea. During the withdrawal of the Regiment to new positions, the vehicular convoy was stopped by an enemy roadblock. The Regimental Commander, in attempting to organize a dash through the block, was wounded. Captain Fenstemacher, completely disregarding the heavy rifle and automatic weapons fire that was falling on the narrow road, secured a jeep, turned it around, and took the Regimental Commander to the aid station. Returning to the roadblock, he attempted to organize the men so that it could be reduced. In his fearless actions at this time, Captain Fenstemacher was wounded by a machine gun bullet which hit him in the back of the neck. Finding that he could not break out, Captain Fenstemacher organized a defensive position and gave orders that it would be held until nightfall when the vehicles would be abandoned and personnel would move out on foot, cross-country. Upon the approach of darkness, Captain Fenstemacher organized the remaining personnel, making sure that security patrols were dispatched, that the wounded were carried or assisted, and that all personnel were accounted for. He assumed the lead of the entire group and succeeded in extricating this body of troops from almost certain annihilation. By his courage and skillful leadership, Captain Fenstemacher kept the morale of all at a high pitch. His devotion to duty was of the highest and his actions brought great credit to himself and to the military service.