Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Edward R. Lederer (ASN: RA-15282298), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1951 in the vicinity of Imok-chong, Korea. On that date Company L launched an assault on strategic positions defended by a fanatically determined enemy force. Sergeant Lederer, a squad leader, seeing that a machine gunner’s hands were badly burned, secured the weapon and advanced through the intense enemy fire. Moving forward, thinking only of the safety of his men, he laid down a heavy concentration of machine gun fire on the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them and forcing the remainder to retreat. Under his outstanding leadership and inspired by his heroic example the men of his squad followed him on to the final objective. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Lederer on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 75 (August 6, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Edward R. Lederer (ASN: RA-15282298), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class Lederer distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taeu-san, Korea, on 30 July 1951. During an assault on enemy emplacements, Company L, was pinned down by heavy small arms, automatic-weapons, grenade, and mortar fire. Sergeant Lederer, with his machine gun in his arms, leaped from the safety of his position and went forward with his company through the fire-swept are, firing his weapon with deadly accuracy. With fearless determination, he continued this fire, causing many enemy casualties and completely destroying three enemy machine-gun emplacements. This display of valor, in the face of a numerically superior enemy force, inspired Sergeant Lederer’s comrades to press the attack, which culminated in the complete destruction of the enemy and attainment of the company’s objective. The conspicuous courage and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Lederer reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.