The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Edmund Jones Lilly, III (ASN: 0-62657), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 31 August 1950 to 3 September 1950, in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date, as a rifle platoon leader, Lieutenant Lilly and his platoon were defending the high ground along the Naktong River when an overwhelming horde of fanatical enemy launched their greatest assault against the positions held by our forces. The initial enemy attack came at 2300 on 31 August 1950. During the intense automatic weapons fire and grenade explosions Lieutenant Lilly walked among his men encouraging them to greater efforts in their valiant defense against insurmountable odds. Realizing his position was untenable, he gathered the remaining men about him and moved them to a piece of commanding ground over-looking the river. This small heroic group was soon completely surrounded by the enemy. Ammunition and water were exhausted and supplies had to be air dropped. The enemy launched vicious attacks against his platoon night and day for three days but could not force this valiant group so ably led by Lieutenant Lilly from their position. Days later when the position was finally re-taken by friendly forces, the enemy dead were littered and piled two and three deep in front of the platoon’s position. Lieutenant Lilly and all of his men had been killed by the relentless enemy pressure but through his refusal to give ground before tremendous odds he permitted the 9th Infantry Regiment the precious hours necessary to regroup and form a new defense line. Lieutenant Lilly’s gallantry and leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.