The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin C. Ferguson (MCSN: 0-3936), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Artillery Adviser of the Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 18 February 1944. Despite painful wounds sustained during his approach to the landing beach, Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson insisted on retaining his command and gallantry led a small group in an attack against approximately thirty of the enemy who had infiltrated the Command Post Area. Constantly exposing himself to close-range sniper fire, he killed four of the enemy during the furious encounter and contributed to the success of the group in annihilating the remainder. His cool fortitude, forceful initiative and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.