The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Edsel W. Underwood (ASN: 34505047), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 9 August 1944. During an attack against the enemy, Sergeant Underwood’s company was suffering heavy casualties from enemy grenades being thrown into its position. Determining the source of the grenades, but with no knowledge of the enemy’s strength, Sergeant Underwood leaped a hedgerow and disposed of the enemy soldiers who had been inflicting casualties upon his company. Sergeant Underwood’s gallant actions, outstanding heroism and initiative, reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.