The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Elmer E. Buban (ASN: 33670738), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 3 April 1945. While preparing a position as security outpost, the squad of which Sergeant Buban was a member, was attacked by a heavy enemy force. One machine gun was put out of action. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Buban continued to man the remaining weapon and halted the counterattack in his sector. When the squad moved to a house and set up a defensive position, he remained on guard at a window throughout the night warding off enemy attempts to throw grenades and place rocket fire in the building. His courage and disregard for his own safety reflect the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.