The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward C. Arn (ASN: 0-1320396), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 6 October to 7 October 1944, in Germany. During an attack on the Siegfried Line, First Lieutenant Arn gallantly led the men of his company in the first day’s assaults, succeeding in capturing or destroying several enemy fortified positions. At dawn of the second day, the enemy launched a vigorous flank counterattack which caused considerable casualties in First Lieutenant Arn’s company. The enemy succeeded in recapturing some of the pillboxes which had been captured the day before and from them subjected the other fortifications in our hands to heavy fire. At the risk of his life, First Lieutenant Arn rallied the remainder of his company into defensive positions and remained in a vulnerable position exposed to considerable fire, in order to direct artillery fire upon the enemy. The men of First Lieutenant Arn’s company resisted determinedly and as a result of this, together with the effective artillery fire directed by him from his exposed position, the enemy counterattack was broken, all lost ground was recaptured, and the assault on the Siegfried Line pursued with fresh enthusiasm. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by First Lieutenant Arn reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.


