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 Edmund C. Sheppard (ASN: 39707093), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 24 January 1945 near Schweighausen, France. When a patrol on the outpost line of resistance was forced to withdraw from its position, one of the squad leaders was severely wounded. When his absence was discovered in checking for casualties, the missing man was seen lying in the snow about 300 yards from our lines and in full observation of the enemy. Calling for covering fire, Private Sheppard made his way to the wounded man, approaching within 150 yards of enemy positions. He administered first aid and brought the man to cover, disregarding intense heavy machine gun and small arms fire from the enemy. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty Private Sheppard saved the life of a wounded comrade.