The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Johnnie A. Edwards (ASN: 38338381), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. Staff Sergeant Edwards exposed himself to fierce enemy fire to place his squad in the best possible defensive positions to cover the withdrawal of his platoon before a savage counterattack. He then remained in his precarious position to cover the withdrawal of his squad until his position was overrun by the enemy and he was taken prisoner. His intrepid stand was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.