The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Edward J. Cronin, Jr. (MCSN: 0-48280), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 July 1951. With his platoon suffering numerous casualties from exploding mines when the lead elements unknowingly entered a hostile mine field while on a reconnaissance mission, First Lieutenant Cronin accidentally set off a mine and was severely wounded while attempting to prevent further movement on the part of his men. Although suffering from extreme pain and loss of blood, he directed a squad leader to set up an emergency defense against possible enemy attack, supervised the efforts of the corpsmen in the treatment and evacuation of the wounded and allowed himself to be carried out for evacuation only after all other casualties had been removed. By his outstanding courage, fortitude and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of others, First Lieutenant Cronin served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.