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 Elie Bernard (ASN: 38483723), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 25 November 1944 in France. When machine gun and sniper fire from a hostile pillbox temporarily delayed his company, Private First Class Bernard volunteered to eliminate the installation. Displaying outstanding courage, he crawled over exposed terrain under heavy enemy fire and fired two rocket rounds which destroyed the emplacement and forced the surrender of its occupants. Private First Class Bernard’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.