The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Edward L. Hilton (ASN: 0-1173643), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 135th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 26 January 1945. While flying a search mission Lieutenant Hilton, a field artillery liaison pilot, was fired upon by a four gun enemy battery of dual purpose guns. Although some damage was inflicted on his plane, Lieutenant Hilton, using skillful evasive tactics, placed his craft in a position of observational advantage above the Japanese position. Despite continued hostile fire directed at him, Lieutenant Hilton called for and adjusted artillery fire on the enemy emplacement, completely neutralizing it. Through Lieutenant Hilton’s cool judgment and presence of mind, the enemy battery was silenced within fifteen minutes of the time his plane was first fired upon, and the advance of our infantry was greatly facilitated. 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.