The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Edward E. Murdock, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 38th Infantry Division, in action near Olongapo, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February 1945. On this date, after a day of bitter fighting, Captain Murdock’s company was ordered to destroy and enemy strong point on the right flank of the 2d Battalion. His troops, exhausted from prolonged combat and heavy casualties, attacked the enemy position, but the assault soon bogged down before vicious cross fires of enemy machine guns. With darkness approaching, the situation became desperate. Captain Murdock, exposing himself to deadly hostile fire, displayed outstanding leadership in reorganizing his company to continue the advance. Reinforcing his weapons platoon with a demolition squad and using the platoon as a rifle platoon, he personally led it in an attack on the enemy’s right flank. Inspired by their leader’s heroic and courageous leadership, the weapons platoon destroyed two enemy light machine guns and neutralized a strong point. Darkness was upon his troops when they completed their mission and enemy patrols began to harass the company with infiltration tactics. Disregarding enemy hand grenades and knee mortar bursts about him, Captain Murdock moved fearlessly about his company perimeter personally supervising his men as they dug their fox holes under fire. Captain Murdock’s intrepidity and gallant leadership reflect the high standards of the Army which causes men to go beyond the call of duty and as such deserves emulation.