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 Private Edward L. Rice (ASN: 6297360), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, on 3 and 4 February 1944. On the night of 3 February, his battalion had taken up a defensive position on the flat terrain near the ocean side beach at the north end of the island. The enemy were in many cases in positions a few feet from the front line and wee harassing our troops with grenades and machine gun fire. Shortly after midnight, Private Rice noticed a stalled tank to the right of our main line of resistance. He asked for and received permission to go to the tank. Removing a machine gun, he mounted it near the tank, and fired up the beach and across the battalion front until daybreak. By his effective enfilade fire, Private Rice succeeded in pinning the enemy down and stopping his counterattacks almost as soon as they began. Early in the morning of 4 February, Private Rice moved his weapon from its mount, boldly ran forward to the front line, and raked several Japanese trenches with fire, killing many of the enemy who had been grenading our infantrymen. By his individual initiative and example, his cool courage, and aggressive fighting spirit, Private Rice saved and protected his battalion front at a critical turn of the battle. Private Rice’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.