The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Edward Bratland (ASN: 37189788), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 12 December 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Bratland was at Gun Position No. 5 when an enemy 88 or 120-mm. shell burst at the gun position and wounded one of the members of the section. Technician Fifth Grade Bratland, seeing his companion in distress, immediately rushed forward to aid the wounded man. A second shell burst nearby and then a third one which killed another member of the section. Disregarding his own personal safety, Technician Fifth Grade Bratland assisted in the evacuation of the wounded to a nearby aid station while enemy shells continued to burst in the area. His courage was an inspiration to those present and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.