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S/Sgt Edward N. Gurka enlisted at Fort Jay, New York on 10 June 1941.

He was awarded the The Silver Star Medalposthumously. The citation reads: On 31 July 1944, near Tirepled, France, Sgt Gurka was in command of one section of tanks serving as an outpost. Shortly before dark the enemy made an attempt to attack his battalion's position. Sgt Gurka's force repulsed the attack, knocking out one Tiger tank and two scout cars. During the night two other attempts were made to take his position by dismounted soldiers with bazookas and sticky grenades. He was constantly under small arms fire. Sgt Gurka held his position until relieved, thus preventing a surprise attack on the company, which in turn accomplished its mission. In this entire section, Sgt Gurka's outstanding bravery and utter disregard for his own safety were undoubtedly the determining factors in spelling success or failure for the entire operation. It was on 30 September 1944, near Arracourt, France, while engaged with the enemy in the same gallant manner that Sgt Gurka received fatal wounds from heavy enemy shell fire.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of St. James, France.