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. Tweddle (ASN: 42067508), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. In the early morning of 15 March 1945, near Utwoiler, Germany, when enemy mines caused heavy casualties among friendly riflemen and completely disorganized his machine gun squad, Private First Class Tweddle rallied his remaining comrades and inspired them to follow in his tracks. As he led them in the darkness out of the thickly-sown minefield, the enemy laid down heavy concentrations of artillery fire. Despite shells bursting 30 yards away, he kept the squad un der perfect control and led it to a position about 150 yards from enemy outposts. There he directed heavy fire that enabled rifle elements to seize their objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Tweddle, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.