The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward C. Fowler (MCSN: 347286), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as First Scout of a Platoon serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. When converging Japanese machine-gun fire from concealed positions inflicted heavy casualties on his platoon as it moved up the slope of a coral ridge. Private First Class Fowler unhesitatingly ran forward to the crest of the ridge and,, courageously exposing himself by firing tracer bullets, diverted the attention of the enemy until he was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire. Private First Class Fowler’s inspiring action and dauntless fighting spirit enabled his platoon to locate and destroy the hostile emplacement, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.