The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) Edward W. Van Auken (ASN: 0-475448), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 April 1945, in the vicinity of Dottingen, Germany. Hearing that a rifleman had lost a leg, and knowing that he needed blood plasma expertly administered, Captain Van Auken voluntarily walked erect into the midst of battle, administered the plasma, and prepared the man for evacuation. When he had seen the man evacuated, he returned to his normal duties. Captain Van Auken’s gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.