The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Edwin Forrest Harding, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the 32d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Haroki, New Guinea, on 16 November 1942. Major General Harding was aboard a small boat off New Guinea which was bombed and strafed by Japanese planes. He fired upon the attackers until the boat began to sink, and then jumped overboard. He refused to occupy space in small life boats which were filled with troops, including some wounded, and swam more than a mile and a half to shore despite continuous strafing by the Japanese. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Harding, 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.