The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward J. Couchon, Jr. (MCSN: 517501), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad of Company G, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 10 May 1945. Assigned the mission of flanking and destroying three heavily fortified enemy pill boxes which were impeding the movement of the entire company, Corporal Couchon repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurate gun fire to move across an open area of approximately thirty-five yards in order to place his fire teams in positions from which they could support a flame thrower. Skillfully maneuvering his men over difficult terrain and through savage fire he brought them within close range of the enemy emplacements where bazooka, hand grenade and small arms fire hits were made with success. When one of his fire team leaders was sounded Corporal Couchon moved at great risk to his own life, to the Marine’s aid and, while engaged in effecting a replacement, was mortally wounded. Inspired by his aggressive and fearless leadership, the members of his squad continued the desperate battle, routing the enemy with heavy casualties. Corporal Couchon’s courage, self-sacrifice and heroic devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.