The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edmund J. O’Connell (ASN: 0-1321807), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 5 January 1945. Lieutenant O’Connell displayed brilliant leadership and high courage in successfully maneuvering his platoon through heavy rolling terrain and a forest and seizing an important road junction held by the enemy. While reorganizing his unit and directing the evacuation of the wounded, he was killed by a tree-bursting mortar shell. His intrepid actions under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire materially contributed to the success of his company, and reflect high credit upon his character as an officer.