The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Edward M. Culligan (ASN: 33668138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 26 February 1945. When the advance of his company was halted by heavy enemy small arms fire emanating from a house on the outskirts of the village of ****, Sergeant Culligan, a squad leader, crawled forward and threw two grenades through a window. He then rejoined his squad, and participated in the final assault on this strongpoint, which resulted in the capture of eleven enemy soldiers. Four Germans were found dad near the window through which Sergeant Culligan threw his grenades. He was wounded during the final assault and evacuated. His courageous initiative exemplifies the high traditions of the military service.