The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Edwin A. Strout (ASN: 0-900107), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action on 21 November 1942, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Strout visited one of the infantry rifle battalions in position west of Point Cruz. Without regard for his personal safety, while under heavy machine gun and mortar fire, by his personal courage and calmness, he materially assisted and encouraged company officers and enlisted men for the first time in the front lines. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.