The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elmer S. Sniff (ASN: 37343386), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 April 1945, in Germany. While advancing through an enemy town, Corporal Sniff’s platoon was pinned down by automatic fire from a building. Corporal Sniff armed himself with a carbine and grenades and advanced along by alternately rushing and creeping through heavy small arms fire to within twenty yards of the building. Exposing himself to point-blank fire, he hurled a grenade into the building, and when the enemy attempted to escape, threw another grenade which killed one and wounded the remaining six. Corporal Sniff’s gallant act eliminated the enemy strongpoint, thereby enabling his platoon to advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Sniff, 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.