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 (Infantry) Edward J. Blake (ASN: 0-1290188), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 10 November 1944 in the vicinity of Fort Koenigamacher, France. During the attack on the fort and despite intense enemy machine gun, bazooka and small arms fire, Captain Blake, Company Commander, with the aid of companions, neutralized an enemy shelter point by demolishing the steel door and stair case with explosives. His courageous and aggressive action deprived the enemy the use of the shelter point, forced them to withdraw further into the fort and hastened their subsequent rout and surrender. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.