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 Edward S. Mitchell (ASN: 33707694), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February 1945. Private Mitchell was a member of a litter squad which supported an infantry company during an attack against enemy positions located in terrain consisting of rice paddies and fish ponds. While evacuating a casualty, the squad was forced by sudden enemy fire to leave the road and travel through the fish ponds, where dikes provided the only available cover. The squad finally reached a river, which had to be crossed in order to evacuate the wounded man. Since there were no boats available, Private Mitchell voluntarily exposed himself to the hostile fire by swimming out to mid-stream and securing a plank on which to place the wounded soldier. Returning with the plank, he aided the others in placing the casualty on the board, and then swam down the river, pushing the casualty before him, until he reached a position of safety. 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.