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 Elmer A. Cassity (ASN: 3914796), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal), in action at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 7 April 1945. When his platoon attacked a heavily fortified hill, the advance was held up by heavy enemy machine gun fire and an intense shower of dynamite charges thrown from the enemy positions. Private Cassidy quickly located the pillbox which was inflicting the most casualties on his platoon and, with complete disregard for his own safety, held the strategic position and used the remainder of his ammunition in neutralizing other pillboxes, enabling his platoon to continue its advance.