The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edward M. Postlethwait (ASN: 0-20718), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. Landing with the first assault wave on Corregidor, Colonel Postlethwait, commanding an Infantry Battalion, assumed personal direction of the attack on Malinta Hill. Repeatedly crossing and re-crossing the beach under intense enemy fire, he supervised the reorganization of scattered elements of the landing forces and the clearing of the beachhead area. He carefully planned every attack and patrol action of elements under his command, and continually exposed himself in directing the attacks. Skillfully overcoming unusual tactical problems arising through a multitude of tunnels and caves in rough mountain terrain, he coordinated the activities of all air, naval and ground units available to him and made possible the rapid capture of his objective with minimum losses. Lieutenant Colonel Postlethwait's outstanding courage, aggressive leadership, and tactical skill contributed materially to driving the enemy from Corregidor to a significant victory and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 131 (June 5, 1945)

Action Date: 16-Feb-45

Service: Army

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Regiment: 34th Infantry Regiment

Division: 24th Infantry Division