The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Apprentice Second Class Edward F. Collins, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division, at Guadalcanal, 5 October 1942. While the platoon to which he was attached was under terrific fire, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Collins, with no regard for his own safety, made his way to exposed positions on the actual field of battle, administering first aid to the wounded and directing their removal to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.