Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1 (January 1, 1951)

    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 Sergeant First Class] Edgar L. Herring (ASN: 0-2212050), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changynyong, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Herring was in command of a mortar platoon which had the mission of supporting an attacking rifle company. During the engagement the rifle company received such intense enemy fire that it was forced to withdraw, leaving Lieutenant Herring’s platoon without rifle support. Disregarding the severe enemy artillery and mortar fire he directed his platoon to deliver such a heavy volume of fire that the enemy was pinned down. He then skillfully led his platoon in a withdrawing action and succeeded in extricating his men without casualties. When the withdrawal had been completed he observed that two vehicles containing two of our 81-mm mortars had been left behind. With complete indifference for his personal safety he dashed forward into the fire-swept area, retrieved one vehicle and drove it to cover. Again he fearlessly advanced 400 yards into the enemy field of fire and drove the other vehicle out of range of the hostile fire. The skillful leadership of Lieutenant Herring resulted in preventing serious casualties to his comrades and prevented valuable tactical equipment from falling into enemy hands. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Herring reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.