The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Edwin H. Simmons (MCSN: 0-10642), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 and 26 September 1950. Occupying the observation post after completing his assigned mission of organizing the battalion’s left sector defensive positions and of preparing a roadblock across the main route entering the battalion area, Major Simmons heard the sound of tracked vehicles approaching from his front and, after flashing an attack warning, directed and coordinated all possible fire on the enemy. When his observation post became a primary target and his radio operator was wounded, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to call for artillery and mortar fire. Skillfully directing the friendly fire, he contributed materially to the destruction of virtually all of the hostile vehicles and weapons and of the killing or wounding of approximately five hundred of the enemy. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Major Simmons upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.