The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Edward E. Hammerbeck (MCSN: 0-15197), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer attached to Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 September 1950. Flying on a reconnaissance mission ahead of advancing infantrymen, Captain Hammerbeck observed a large, well-concealed group of enemy troops in position to ambush the friendly forces. Realizing that radio communications with leading elements of the ground troops were not available, and that his supply of message-drop containers was exhausted, he dropped a message wrapped in his handkerchief and weighted with bullets, warning friendly troops of the impending danger. Although the vulnerable aircraft was severely damaged by intense enemy anti-aircraft fire during the initial low dive over the hostile concentration, the pilot carried out a second low run in the face of the heavy fire and, Captain Hammerbeck determining further details, dropped another message to the friendly troops. After quickly summoning fighter aircraft to the scene, he remained over the area in the badly damaged plane, until the enemy troops had been dispersed with heavy casualties. By his courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Hammerbeck upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.