The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward L. Ourliss (ASN: 38590862), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in ****, France, on 27 August 1944. Private Ourliss, a rifleman, was a member of the security patrol in the town of ****, France, during the night of 26 – 27 August. About 0015 on the morning of 27 August he encountered a column of German troops entering the town. Unable to recognize them in the darkness he challenged the column, which failed to halt. Upon moving closer for better observation, he was seized by three enemy soldiers. Private Ourliss stabbed one of the enemy, clubbed another unconscious with his machine pistol, and fired into the column. The firing alerted the remainder of the company, and in the resulting fire fight numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy, and sixty-seven Germans were taken prisoner. The intrepid courage, resourcefulness and display of physical strength on the part of Private Ourliss prevented enemy infiltration into his company’s position, and reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier.