Edward P. Behne

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward P. Behne (0-2103674), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 20 September 1952, Lieutenant Behne’s platoon was assigned the mission of attacking a heavily defended enemy position on Kelly Hill in the vicinity of Koyang-dae, Korea. Despite intensive enemy mortar barrages and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Behne led his platoon up the fire swept slopes towards the hostile trenches. Realizing the danger to his men who were halted in an extremely exposed and untenable position, Lieutenant Behne, with complete disregard for his personal safety, started the assault on the trenches. As a result of his inspirational actions, his men, in hand to hand combat, drove the enemy from the trenches, mortally wounding many of the foe. Leading a small group, he then moved toward the final enemy held position on the knob of the hill. Observers noted a large hostile force of two groups closing in on Lieutenant Behne’s platoon from both flanks and ordered his immediate return to safety. After insuring that all his wounded were evacuated, Lieutenant Behne covered the retrograde movement of his men until the entire group had successfully disengaged. In the final moments of the battle, Lieutenant Behne, leaving seconds before the enemy closed in on his position, mortally wounded two attacking enemy soldiers. Lieutenant Behne’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.