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 Wilkerson (ASN: US-53075128), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the morning of 9 March 1952, a patrol from Company F was dispatched to search for a man missing from a patrol on the previous night near Chongia-chon, Korea. Upon finding the body of the missing man on a steep slope near a heavily fortified enemy position, Private Wilkerson volunteered to accompany the platoon medic in recovering the body. As they neared the objective, they were subjected to intense enemy small-arms and grenade fire but, undaunted, they fearlessly continued to a point in close proximity to the body. Private Wilkerson provided such a devastating cover of fire that the medical aidman was allowed to cross the short distance to the body with more freedom of movement. After getting the body back to the point where Private Wilkerson was providing the covering fire, they continued the treacherous return to friendly lines, never faltering in accomplishing their task. Private Wilkerson’s outstanding gallantry under enemy fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.