The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Edward Louis Kolka (ASN: US-56455755), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 March 1968. On this date, Sergeant Kolka was serving as a squad leader for the point element of a company size reconnaissance in force operation south of Lai Khe. While moving through a dense vegetation they discovered a large enemy base camp. Suddenly, they were subjected to intensive small arms and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Kolka unhesitatingly deployed his men and began directing devastating fire on the insurgents. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he ignored the hostile fire as he moved from position to position directing his men’s fire. While moving toward a friendly position he noticed a wounded soldier lying in an exposed position. He continued to ignore the enemy rounds as he ran to his wounded comrade and dragged him to a position of safety. Returning to his squad, Sergeant Kolka discovered the heaviest fire was coming from a nearby enemy bunker. He crawled to within 20 meters of the bunker, threw two grenades inside and silenced the position. While moving toward a second bunker he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His dauntless courage as demonstrated by his selfless sacrifice inspired his comrades who went on to rout the enemy force. Sergeant Kolka’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.