The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Edward J. Madden (ASN: 36335845), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 18 January 1945 in Luxembourg. On that date, during the attack on the heavily fortified town of Vichten, Luxembourg, Corporal Madden, a cannoneer of an assault gun, knocked out numerous enemy machine guns, and despite heavy artillery fire, drove into town without any accompanying tank support and overran the enemy positions, resulting in the capture of one hundred fifty enemy soldiers. Later that night, having depleted his ammunition load, Corporal Madden walked through sniper and artillery fire to a disabled tank and by transferring the ammunition was able to continue the attack on the following day despite the fact that his supplies were cut off. Corporal Madden’s courage, initiative, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.