The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edward F. Kent, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 30 March 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Kent’s battalion had occupied an area after fierce fighting. The enemy returned with two tanks and had managed to reoccupy some of the houses on the west edge of town. Lieutenant Colonel Kent ordered two companies to retake that portion of the town. Enemy artillery fire started falling on the troops and they became intermingled, took cover and control was lost. Lieutenant Colonel Kent, with complete disregard for his own safety, immediately went forward, exposing himself to enemy fire and directed our artillery fire on the tanks. He then rallied his troops and again secured the western portion of the town. His personal courage in the face of enemy fire and his sound judgment of tactics were an inspiration to his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Kent, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.