Edward W. Baldwin, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward W Baldwin, Jr. (0-284465), Major (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 158th Engineer Combat Battalion, on 21 and 22 December 1944, in Belgium. When infiltrating Germans attempted to seize a vital bridge along a main convoy route, Major Baldwin immediately organized stragglers from other units and elements of his own command to defend the bridge. Constantly exposed to enemy artillery and small arms fire, her personally led his men in a counterattack which forced the enemy to withdraw from their forward area. Realizing the importance of accurate data concerning the strength and disposition of enemy troops, Major Baldwin secured and transmitted to the battalion command post vital information which was of utmost value in repulsing numerous enemy attacks. By his daring and coolness under fire and his conspicuous leadership, Major Baldwin reflected great credit on himself and the military service.