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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward C. Digan (ASN: 0-1310692), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 13 July 1943, on *** Hill near ****, Sicily. Lieutenant Digan was in command of a rocket launcher platoon. The position was being attacked by an enemy infantry battalion supported by tanks. The entire area was subject to intense crossfire by enemy machine guns from the flanks. Lieutenant Digan, without regard for his own safety and exposing himself to enemy gun fire, carried reserve ammunition to the forward machine guns on the hill several times. While attempting to carry ammunition across open terrain to a machine gun position, he was seriously wounded in the neck. During treatment of his wounds, Lieutenant Digan made several attempts to get up and carry ammunition to the gun, but was too weak to do so. He died an hour later. The actions of Lieutenant Digan were characteristic of the highest standards of his profession and reflect the greatest credit upon himself and his country.