The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Commander Elmer Charles Buerkle (NSN: 0-59576), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and meritorious service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. HELENA (CL-50), which as a unit of a Task Force successfully engaged Japanese land and naval forces twice within a period of twenty-four hours on 5 and 6 July 1943, in the vicinity of Kula Gulf, British Solomon Islands. Commander Buerkle by his skill and cool and determined conduct under enemy fire contributed material assistance to his Commanding Officer in directing the extremely heavy and accurate gunfire of his vessel. During the second of these engagements his vessel was struck by three Japanese torpedoes and sank within the space of a few minutes. Commander Buerkle directed the abandon-ship operations so successfully that the total personnel loss of the officers and crew of his vessel was only fifteen percent of her total complement. Commander Buerkle in complete disregard for his own safety assisted many members of his crew on board rescuing destroyers and was instrumental in saving the lives of a great number of his men. Due to this heroic conduct he was not rescued and is considered missing in action. His conduct and heroism throughout were an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.