Edward Hamilton was born on 20 March 1917 in Dallas, Oregon.  On 23 June 1944, he took command of the 1^st Battalion of the 357^th Infantry Regiment, 90^th Infantry Division. 

His unit of approximately 800 men took part in the capture of Denneville, Saint-Lo d’Ourville during June 1944 and then of Saint-Jores on 4 July 1944.  Also, in the difficult and fierce battle for Le Plessis-Lastelle (Beaucondray) from 5-12 July 1044.  On 14 July 1044 his unit participated in the liberation of Gonfreville where he strategically supported the terrible battle of Seves Island.  On 27 July 1944, the 357^th Infantry Regiment conducted reinforcement operations in support of the 83^rd US Division and liberated the villages of Raids, Saint-Sebastien de Raids, and Saint-Martin d’Aubigny.

Finally, on 10 September 1944, as always, he led the attack up the hill that overlooks Hayange (Moselle).  There, he was critically wounded and struck in the head by shrapnel from a shell, putting an end to his brilliant military career. 

In recognition of his battlefield achievements he received numerous decorations by the US Army.  In Jauary 2005 he was awarded the Legion of Honor from France.  Colonel Hamilton returned many times to Periers, as well as his other battlefields, before his death on 30 June 2006 in Annandale, Virginia.

Colonel Hamilton’s remains are buried in the military cemetery at the Military Academy at West Point.  According to his will, a bundle of his ashes was put to rest in his beloved Periers.