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 E. Mottern (ASN: 0-419335), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 24 March 1945. Finding his men disorganized from enemy fire and darkness after they had crossed the Rhine River, Lieutenant Mottern quickly reorganized them and then charged alone on an enemy machine gun which was holding up the advance. He then manned the machine gun and fired it along the enemy line, neutralizing their fire, thus enabling his platoon to advance and take its objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Mottern, 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.