The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Edward H. Pykosz (ASN: 0-575978), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 and 27 September 1952, in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Captain Pykosz was commanding a Rifle Company engaged in a night raid behind enemy lines. Upon reaching a predetermined position Captain Pykosz deployed the platoons of his company in rear and flank defensive positions and the Raider Platoon was dispatched to assault the objective. Shortly after the Raider Platoon engaged the enemy, all contact was broken between them and the remainder of the company. Captain Pykosz held his rear guard position until he was ordered to withdraw. After assuring himself that his company had commenced an orderly withdrawal, he then voluntarily moved forward with sixteen men over the exposed area to attempt to locate and evacuate the first platoon. Upon reaching the platoon, Captain Pykosz personally carried the wounded Platoon Leader to a position of safety and then returned to organize the friendly elements and to cover their withdrawal. In the course of this action, Captain Pykosz, with complete disregard for personal safety, constantly exposed himself to heavy mortar, rifle and machine gun fire which was directed upon the platoon from the surrounding hills. His outstanding leadership and inspirational courage, aided materially in the successful recovery and safe withdrawal of the platoon. Captain Pykosz’s heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.