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 Edward K. Niebergall (ASN: 42009058), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 January 1945 in France. While the heavy machine gun squad led by Sergeant Niebergall was firing on enemy positions, a friendly tank mistaking the squad for enemy troops, opened fire. Unhesitatingly and thinking only of the safety of his men, Sergeant Niebergall advanced from h is gun position over open ground toward the tank. Although he was immediately subjected to a hail of enemy and friendly fire, he moved toward the tank gesticulating and shouting. When about twenty yards short of the tank his helmet was struck a glancing blow by a bullet, he fell prone and crawled forward until the tank commander recognized him as a friendly soldier and ceased firing. The great courage and perseverance displayed by Sergeant Niebergall in the face of great danger reflects high credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.