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 R. Hersmann (ASN: 35521321), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 July 1944, near ****, France. Completely disregarding intense enemy fire, Private First Class Hersmann, acting as a member of the battalion intelligence section, covered the entire front gathering information which was materially instrumental in reducing enemy counter fire. In the course of his work he was struck by shell fragments in the hand and neck, but before submitting to evacuation he succeeded in locating the enemy machine gun positions and reporting them to the command post. By his fearless performance of duty and disregard for personal safety he contributed greatly to the progress of his battalion. Private First Class Hersmann’s conspicuous devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.