The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Elbert Cornelius Black, Jr. (MCSN: 259871), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Rifle Platoon Leader, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Sugar Loaf Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 May 1945. Instantly assuming command when his platoon leader was killed during the initial assault against Sugar Loaf Hill, Platoon Sergeant Black promptly reorganized the unit and continued to press the assault despite heavy casualties among his men. Upon reaching the objective, he discovered an advance element of Marines under heavy counterattack and, skillfully deploying his small force, waged furious battle to aid substantially in repelling the enemy with resultant heavy casualties inflicted upon the Japanese. When his position subsequently became untenable, Platoon Sergeant Black effectively withdrew his men to friendly lines where he immediately organized a carrying party and made his way back into the fire-swept area, evacuating several stricken comrades under an overwhelming volume of hostile fire. Returning later under cover of darkness, he again ran the gauntlet of deadly fire and succeeded in rescuing the remainder of the wounded men. His indomitable leadership and aggressive determination were important factors in saving the lives of many Marines who otherwise might have perished, and his heroic conduct in the face of tremendous odds reflects the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Black and the United States Naval Service.