The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Edward J. Kite (ASN: RA-35964894), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was attacking enemy-held high ground. During the assault a member of the platoon fell seriously wounded and was lying helpless under hostile machine gun and small arms fire. Sergeant Kite immediately dashed across 75 yards of fire-swept terrain, administered first aid to the wounded soldier, and carried him to a sheltered position. Later in the same engagement a friendly aircraft attempted to make a strike but was unable to locate the enemy positions. Again exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, he placed an air panel which allowed the aircraft to locate its target. In the final phase of the assault his platoon became disorganized. He reorganized the platoon and led its continued attack against the enemy, thus enabling his company to seize its objective with a minimum of casualties. His heroic actions throughout the attack were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.