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 Locke, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 308th Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division in action on 12 December 1944 in Germany. When a thickly laid enemy mine field was encountered on an important road leading into a small strategic town and the approved method of removing the mines, attaching a wire to them and pulling them from a covered position proved to be too slow for tactical demand, Sergeant Locke asked for volunteers to aid him in removing the mines by hand. Though fully aware of the possibility that some of the mines might be booby trapped and with complete disregard for heavy enemy fire, he fearlessly began to pull the mines out with his ands and toss them on the side of the road. His daring initiative inspired his men to follow him and the time thereby saved was of invaluable assistance in success of the operations. The outstanding personal bravery and devotion to duty of this non-commissioned officer reflect the highest credit on himself and the finest traditions of the military service of the United States.