The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Cavalry) Edward J. Gurney, Jr. (ASN: 0-1010115), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. When advance of a task force was halted, Major Gurney, an Executive Officer, personally gathered infantrymen and led them forward under intense fire. He organized them with the tank company. When his tank was disabled, Major Gurney dismounted to guide the attack on foot. While thus leading the attack he was seriously wounded by small arms fire. His actions reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.