The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Edward D. Middleton, Jr. (ASN: 0-61107), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 April 1951, a tank platoon, under Lieutenant Middleton’s command was occupying defensive positions in support of Company G near Taejon-ni, Korea, when the enemy savagely attacked. Utilizing a heavy volume of fire power, the enemy forces charged ruthlessly at the defense line held tenaciously by the friendly ground unit. Having thrust off two blistering assaults, the unit was subjected to a renewed and more frenzied third hostile assault, the momentum of which swept the enemy troops through the perimeter, surrounding the tank unit and severing it from all friendly support. Despite the severe enemy fire sweeping the area, Lieutenant Middleton arose in the turret of his tank and skillfully directed a delaying action until the infantry withdrew. Although the embattled area was, by now, being shelled by artillery from both sides and his unit had suffered casualties and two vehicles disabled, Lieutenant Middleton, guided the picking up of the wounded to evacuate them to the rear. When the enemy pressed forward to within pistol range, the tanks then withdrew fighting a desperate rearguard action. Battling his way through the enemy infested area, Lieutenant Middleton personally killed several enemy soldiers as they attempted to clamber aboard his tank. Moving over two miles of treacherous terrain, the tank platoon, under Lieutenant Middleton’s astute leadership passed successfully through a mine field and several hostile ambushes to complete the withdrawal. The unflinching gallantry and resolute courage exhibited by Lieutenant Middleton reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.