The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward Joseph Dalton, Jr. (ASN: 0-5535460), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Second Lieutenant Dalton distinguished himself by exceptional heroism in action on 15 August 1966, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during military operations in the Republic of Vietnam. While making a sweep through known enemy territory, Lieutenant Dalton’s company made contact with a numerically superior enemy force, which was defending from well concealed and heavily-fortified positions. With one of the platoons pinned down on a steep slope, Lieutenant Dalton, in an outstanding display of aggressive leadership, led an assault against the enemy positions which succeeded in distracting the enemy’s intense fire from the main body, and caused the enemy to concentrated on the attacking force that Lieutenant Dalton personally led. By executing this selfless and courageous act, he was instrumental in saving the major portion of two platoons which were almost certain to be annihilated by the well prepared enemy. Leading by example while moving forward bringing a withering hail of fire on the enemy positions, Lieutenant Dalton was mortally wounded while at the head of the attack. His courageous action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.