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 Edwin M. England (ASN: 13014430), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Ferme Combier, Algeria, 9 November 1942. During the Oran Offensive, Private England volunteered to accompany his platoon leader in an attempt to destroy a machine gun nest which had been holding up his comrades. At grave danger to his personal safety, Private England silenced this machine gun nest with hand grenades. 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 Army.