The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Milton G. Ellington (ASN: 34139613), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 20 March 1944. After effectively covering the safe withdrawal of a small reconnaissance patrol, then under the fire of a strong Japanese force, Private Ellington ran forward into the face of heavy, hostile machine-gun fire for a distance of thirty yards to reach and safely evacuate a helplessly wounded comrade. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.