The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Edward Melvin Starr, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 124th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near the Mulita River, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 2 May 1945. Colonel Starr was in command of an infantry regiment when one of his battalions, which was leading the advance of the regiment, became engaged in a fierce fire fight. Colonel Starr, in order to determine the enemy situation, moved forward to the battalion command post although it was under almost constant enemy sniper and raking machine gun fire. In spite of this deadly enemy fire Colonel Starr left the command post, worked his way forward to the front line riflemen who were engaged in a bitter fire fight, and surveyed the situation remaining in the dangerous position for some time. His personal bravery and courage in the front lines, subjecting himself to the enemy machine gun and rifle fire, was a source of constant inspiration to his officers and men. These actions were above and beyond the call of duty of a regimental commander and reflect great credit on both Colonel Starr and the Service.