Edwin W. Hakala

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edwin W. Hakala (0-49700), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Artillery Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 10 June 1951. First Lieutenant Hakala, serving as a forward observer attached to a Marine Infantry Company, displayed outstanding skill, courage and initiative in the performance of his duties. The company to which he was attached was halted momentarily by rigid resistance from a fanatically determined enemy during an assault. Moving with the forward elements of the company, he was painfully wounded by enemy mortar fragments, but steadfastly refusing evacuation, he continued in the attack. He fearlessly called artillery fire on the enemy strong points so effectively that the attacking company was able to seize its objective despite the fact it was fiercely defended by an estimated enemy battalion. His aggressiveness and high professional skill served as an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by the company. First Lieutenant Hakala’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.