The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward H. Cosby (MCSN: 868336), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 7 July 1944. Courageous and steadfast under terrific hail of Japanese machine gun and small arms fire Private First Class Cosby skillfully servicing and firing his weapon aided in the destruction of a Japanese tank which had killed five and wounded six men in his section and remained fighting at his post until he fell, mortally wounded in the fiercely fought engagement. By his splendid initiative, cool courage and unselfish disregard for his own safety Private First Class Cosby contributed essentially to the success of a mission pointing toward further victories over the enemy and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.