The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Edward H. Prauze (ASN: 32755591), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. When an Infantry company received fire from an enemy cave position at Mount Binicayan on 11 May 1945, a two-man demolition team of which Private Prauze was a member went forward to neutralize the hostile emplacement. The only route of approach was by use of a rope, and the two men lowered themselves down the steep cliff to place the charge in an advantageous location. The demolitions were detonated, and as the team raised up from their covered position to investigate results, an enemy machine gun opened fire from a concealed position, killing Private Prauze’s comrade. Realizing his perilous position, Private Prauze threw two white phosphorous grenades in the direction of the Japanese gun, then dashed forward, tied a rope around his companion’s body and dragged it to a position from where it could be evacuated for burial. Subsequent examination of the dynamited cave revealed two enemy dead, two light machine guns, ammunition and much radio equipment. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward H. Prauze (ASN: 32755591), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the attack against Mount Binicayan on 5 May 1945, a member of Private Prauze’s company was seriously wounded by enemy machine run fire. After darkness had fallen, Private Prauze and a companion volunteered to rescue the wounded man. Despite poor visibility, difficult terrain and intermittent hostile fire, these two men successfully accomplished their hazardous mission and saved the life of the injured man. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.