The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Edward J. Kutchie (MCSN: 355092), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Fonte Hill, Guam, Mariana Islands, on 26 July 1944. When heavy enemy rifle and machine-gun fire inflicted numerous casualties and momentarily halted the advance of his platoon during the initial attack, Gunnery Sergeant Kutchie moved twenty-five yards forward of the front lines in the face of heavy short range enemy rifle and machine-gun fire on two occasions and carried two wounded men to cover. Then, personally leading three tanks to within fifty yards of the enemy positions, he directed their fire to cover the evacuation of the remaining casualties of his platoon, receiving a serious shrapnel wound in the face during this action. His cool courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.