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 (Signal Corps), [then Master Sergeant] Edward C. Fleming (ASN: 0-2262207), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 4th Signal Battalion, in action during the early morning hours of 7 November 1950 at Yonghung, North Korea, when his platoon was attacked by an overwhelming number of North Korean soldiers and guerrillas who were using burp-guns, machine guns, small arms and mortars. His platoon leader having been seriously wounded at the very beginning of the attack, Lieutenant Fleming voluntarily took command and redeployed the platoon to beat off the attack. Skillfully and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to rescue his seriously wounded platoon officer from certain capture or death. He again exposed himself to murderous enemy fire when he, with telephone in hand, went to the roadside, climbed a thirty foot telephone pole, tapped in on the cable, called his commanding officer and procured Marine reinforcements and air support. Upon learning that his platoon leader would die if he did not receive immediate medical attention, Lieutenant Fleming ordered the wounded platoon leader, together with other wounded men, be placed in a 3/4 ton truck and, for the third time, risked his life by driving the vehicle through the enemy position and concentrated small arms and mortar fire to a position of safety. Lieutenant Fleming then returned to his platoon, leading reinforcing Marines who drove the enemy back, to rescue the remaining men of the platoon. His heroism and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.