The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Edward E. Fryer (MCSN: 0-35010), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Scout Bombing Place attached to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron THREE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-341), during action against enemy Japanese forces east of Nichols Airfield, Manila City, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 February 1945. Fearlessly countering the enemy’s shattering antiaircraft fire during an extremely perilous bombing strike against important Japanese installations retarding the advance of our ground forces in a critical stage of the campaign, Second Lieutenant Fryer flew in over the assigned target area skillfully and with determined aggressiveness to press home his devastating attack. With his plane seriously damaged in the execution of his dive, he dauntlessly continued his run and, releasing his bomb load at perilously low altitude, scored a direct hit on the enemy position before his plane crashed 200 yards offshore. Rescued shortly thereafter, Second Lieutenant Fryer was taken to a station hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his wounds a few days later. His superb airmanship, outstanding fortitude and cool courage maintained in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the success of our forces in recapturing the Philippines and his valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Fryer and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.