The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Edward H. Patterson (ASN: 12082140), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on 1 February 1945, in the vicinity of Folpersviller, France. There was imminent danger of four soldiers of a patrol drowning when their rubber boat capsized while crossing the Blies River into enemy territory. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Patterson and two comrades leaped into the swift current of the swollen river, rescued the men and brought them safely to land. This heroic and hazardous action, in the face of imminent danger, reflects great credit upon these men and is in keeping with the finest traditions of fidelity and courage.
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Awards Received
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Soldier’s Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
255th Infantry RegimentDivision:
63d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 1, 1945
Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 79 (April 4, 1945) -
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
255th Infantry RegimentDivision:
63d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 17, 1945
Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 579 (October 4, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Edward Henry Patterson (ASN: 12082140), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Habkirchen, Germany, on 17 February 1945. As a member of a patrol crossing the Blies River, Staff Sergeant Patterson single-handedly charged and knocked out two enemy machine gun positions, killing one and capturing six of the enemy. Shortly afterwards, he stepped on a mine that severed his right leg and caused him to fall on another mine that severed his right arm. Rather than have his comrades risk their lives to rescue him, Staff Sergeant Patterson crawled unaided from the mine field. His extreme courage and regard for his fellow soldiers were in standing with the finest military ideals and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.