The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Steward’s Mate First Class Elbert H. Oliver, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving aboard a United States warship during a raid upon that vessel by approximately twenty-five Japanese torpedo planes in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, on 30 June 1943. When members of his 22-mm. Gun Crew were severely wounded by a bursting projectile, Steward’s Mate First Class Oliver quickly took over the station of the injured gunner and, although he himself was bleeding profusely, maintained accurate fire against the attacking planes until eventually compelled to give way to a relief gunner. His aggressive fighting spirit and grim determination to carry on in the face of acute pain and waning strength were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.