The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Edwin Malcolm Sutherland, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 July 1944, in France. On that date, when his regiment was attacking against strong, organized defensive positions, they met with stiff enemy resistance. Continually pushing forward, the regiment broke this resistance and after advancing approximately one and one-half miles were stopped by the enemy short of their assigned objective. Upon being advised of this fact, Colonel Sutherland immediately left his Headquarters and went forward to the leading elements of his regiment. Arriving at the front, Colonel Sutherland immediately appraised the situation. He discovered that even though there was no definite line of enemy resistance at the point where the troops had halted their advance, there were many groups of the enemy operating in the sector and were placing a great amount of small arms fire on his troops. Coordinating his troops with the tanks assigned for support. Colonel Sutherland personally, unmindful of his own personal safety, fearlessly led the hesitant troops forward through the enemy fire on to the objective, which was successfully taken with a large number of the enemy being taken prisoners. His aggressiveness and bravery in this action reflect the highest credit on himself and the Armed Services, gave increasing confidence to the attacking troops, and were a source of profound inspiration to the officers and men of his regiment.