Edward Ackerman was born on September 3, 1915, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy on July 16, 1935, and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 1, 1939. His first assignment was aboard the battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41) from July to September 1939, followed by service aboard the destroyer USS Overton (DD-239) from September 1939 to December 1940. During this time, Ens Ackerman served aboard USS Overton during Neutrality Patrols in the Atlantic Ocean. He attended Submarine School at Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, from December 1940 to March 1941, and then joined the crew of the submarine USS Grayback during her construction from April 1940 to January 1940, for her launching on January 31, 1941, and as a plank owner at her commissioning on June 30, 1941. LT Ackerman served aboard USS Grayback during her first 9 War Patrols between February 1942 and January 1944, and held the positions of Diving Officer, Assistant Fire Control Officer, Assistant Approach Officer, and Executive Officer. His next assignment was to Submarine Division 62 from January to April 1944, followed by service aboard the submarine USS Kete (SS-369) during her launch on April 9, 1944, and as a plank owner through her commissioning on July 31, 1944. LCDR Ackerman served as Executive Officer aboard USS Kete from her commissioning through her first War Patrol, and he took command of the submarine on February 20, 1945. After completing her second War Patrol, LCDR Ackerman and his crew were lost sometime around March 20, 1945. The submarine's wreck has never been positively identified. Ackerman was officially listed as Missing in Action on March 31, 1945, and was declared dead on April 1, 1946.

His THIRD Silver Star Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. KETE (SS-369), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the Nansei Shoto Area. On 11 March 1945, this fighting Commanding Officer took his submarine out to meet the enemy. Despite severe enemy countermeasures he daringly launched torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy vessels, totaling 12,000 tons. While continuing this smashing offensive against the enemy, overwhelming enemy counterattacks were encountered which cause the loss of this outstanding submarine. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all submarine personnel, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.