The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward F. Pekola (ASN: 32047498), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, ** Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Private First Class Pekola, without orders from his Company Commander of Section Leader and upon his own initiative with the aid of other members of his wire team, went in under heavy artillery barrage to repair the ** Battalion’s communication line, which had been blown up by artillery fire. At this time, ** April 1943, the Battalion was located six miles east of ********, Tunisia. They found the communication line completely destroyed and though shells were falling all around them, they set up their equipment and put in a completely new line. It was due to this action that the control and liaison remained intact and the success of our operations were completed. Private First Class Pekola’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.