The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Ernest William Longton (NSN: 0-70183), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ELLYSON (DD-454), in action against enemy forces during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, June 1944, and the bombardment of enemy defenses at Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. Courageous under intense enemy gunfire, Commander Longton maneuvered his ship through heavily mined waters to destroy an important strong point which had been holding up the capture of Pont Du Hoc. Subsequently, he delivered accurate gunfire on other enemy fortifications and gun emplacements and screened ships of the Western Task Force Area from hostile surface forces and submarines. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.