EDWIN J. LEMKE was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action on June 28, 1944, near Castogneto, Italy. During a company advance, a leading squad was suddenly fired upon from the right rear by a strong force of Germans. In the subsequent fire fight, the enemy succeeded in cutting of the squad from the remainder of the company. The company commander prepared to send a patrol to relieve the surrounded squad, but Private Lempke sought and obtained permission to attempt the task alone. Making his was along a dry river bed and through a series of ditches, he suddenly spotted a German soldier armed with a machine pistol. Private Lempke killed the German and took his weapon. Continuing his advance he observed another German and shot him with the machine pistol. Skillfully maneuvering toward the beleagured squad, he located and killed three more enemy soldiers, to clear all enemy resistance from the rear and right rear of the squad. Finally reaching the three remaining members of the squad, he led them safely to the company. The initiative and aggressive fighting spirit displayed by Private Lempke prevented teh capture of three fellow soldiers, and his heroic accomplishment reflects the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.

Mr. Lemke joined the Legion of Valor in 1988 and resided in Iowa.