The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward K. Masterson (ASN: 39421231), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 5 March 1945, in the vicinity of Sarreguemines, France. While Company B was being counterattacked, Private First Class Masterson, though a rifleman and painfully wounded, took over a machine gun which was not being used and helped repulse the enemy attack. This action was accomplished with utter disregard for his personal safety. His outstanding gallantry is in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
253d Infantry RegimentDivision:
63d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 19, 1945
Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 184 (May 22, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Edward K. Masterson (ASN: 39421231), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 19 April 1945, in the vicinity of Triensbach, Germany. The company was under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire when the order to take cover was given. Sergeant Masterson, three times left his position in a ditch dragging to safety in succession each one of three men who were in an open, fire-swept field, and who were unable to move. The intrepidity with which Sergeant Masterson performed this heroic act was an inspiration to all those who witnessed his action and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.