The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Edward W. Witsman (ASN: 35044467), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, on **** 1943, about five miles from *****, Italy. While advancing on a security mission, Sergeant Witsman’s squad came under heavy automatic fire of a superior enemy force. When his squad was pinned down by the enemy fire, Sergeant Witsman, his rifle ammunition exhausted, moved to a nearby machine gun which he operated with the one remaining crew member. This action made it possible for the remaining personnel to move to a position of cover. The initiative and courage displayed by Sergeant Witsman was an inspiration to his comrades.