The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Edward J. Wright (ASN: US-51113452), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 17 July 1952, the 1st Platoon of Company E was on a combat patrol against the enemy-held outpost “Cavite” near Koyangdae, Korea. The platoon approached to within a few yards of the ridge line when they were suddenly subjected to a hail of enemy small arms and heavy weapons fire. Corporal Wright, observing the machine gun emplacement which was presenting the greatest danger to the friendly assault group, fearlessly raced through a lethal hail of small arms and machine gun fire to within six feet of the enemy position and, firing his automatic rifle directly into the hostile emplacement, disposed of its occupants. He then aided the platoon by laying down a heavy fire into other positions, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy while the platoon effectively and safely advanced to more strategic positions. Corporal Wright, again seeing more of the enemy taking up the positions in the machine gun emplacement that he had previously neutralized, completely disregarded his personal safety as he stood up under the withering fire and expended magazine after magazine of ammunition into the hostile position at close range, inflicting several casualties and rendering the weapon useless. When the friendly troops were ordered to withdraw, he volunteered to remain at the rear of the platoon and provide covering fire as they moved toward friendly lines. Corporal Wright’s outstanding gallantry and untiring devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.