The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward H. Cope, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 17 November 1944. First Lieutenant Cope’s platoon was occupying a defensive position directly behind an enemy minefield and several of his men were wounded and were in a hazardous area. When aid men attempted to rescue them, they too became casualties. Although First Lieutenant Cope witnessed the failure of the liter squad to reach the wounded men, he worked his way over 150 yards of mined ground and reached them. After carrying the most seriously wounded man back to safety, he led others forward and succeeded in removing the others from the danger area. His gallantry saved the lives of his wounded comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Cope, 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.