Edward L. Vatter

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00421
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward L. Vatter (MCSN: 841687), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Ambulance Driver for the First Medical Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Peleliu, Palan Islands, from 17 September to 10 October 1944.
Working under heavy hostile mortar and artillery fire and often on the job for periods of eighteen and twenty hours without relief, Private First Class Vatter drove to the front lines and to first-aid stations evacuating wounded to the rear area and, although his vehicle was struck four times by enemy fire, successfully completed all missions.
Severely wounded on 10 October, while engaged in evacuating patients from the front lines of an assault battalion, he disregarded the pain and shock and succeeded in returning his loaded ambulance to an area of safety.
By his outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty, he served as an inspiration to all who saw him, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.