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 Private First Class Edward M. Sommerfeld (ASN: US-55039458), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On that date as Company A attacked Hill 451 the enemy directed a withering volume of grenade and small arms fire upon it and inflicted numerous casualties. The terrain was such that Private Sommerfeld had to expose himself to enemy fire in order to fire effectively. Although other men near him were forced to withdraw by the devastating enemy fire, he held his position and continued placing deadly rifle fire into the enemy emplacement. When his supply of ammunition was exhausted he paused to fix his bayonet, and was killed by a sudden burst of enemy fire. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Sommerfeld reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.