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Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Henry Lahti, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in Leyte, Philippine Islands, in 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Lahti located Japanese machine gun emplacements, which had pinned down the leading elements of his battalion. He then directed from an exposed position, counterfire which later destroyed the enemy emplacement. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Lahti, 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.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Colonel]

    Regiment:

    511th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    February 1945 – July 1947
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 20 (December 8, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Colonel] Edward Henry Lahti, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, from February 1945 to July 1947.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    511th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edward Henry Lahti, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in Leyte, Philippine Islands, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Lahti, 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.