The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward A. Fennelly (MCSN: 354846), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner in a platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 20 May 1945. When devastating Japanese shellfire inflicted numerous casualties and retarded the advance of his platoon, Corporal Fennelly voluntarily risked his life in a valiant attempt to assist in bringing the helpless Marines to safety. Although two men had been killed while crossing the one hundred yard fire-swept area which provided the only approach to the stricken unit, he fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and sniper fire throughout four successful trips across the field. Wounded in the head while making the fifth trip back to his own lines, he dauntlessly pressed forward with burden and, by his selfless efforts and courageous conduct, succeeded in bringing the man to cover before he was fatally struck down by a bursting hostile shell. BY his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of others in the face of almost certain death, corporal Fennelly contributed to the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.