The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Leroy L. Elliott (ASN: 20506060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands on 8 July 1943. Corporal Elliott was in command of five men who comprised an observation post detail situated some distance in front of the enemy’s mail line to warn of the enemy’s approach. Shortly after the party had dug in they were attacked by a platoon and two squads of the enemy. The observation party returned vigorous fire, but as the superior hostile force started to close in Corporal Elliott gave the order to withdraw. Remaining behind as his men crawled to the main line, he covered their withdrawal effectively with rifle fire at the cost of a severe wound to himself. With the exception of one man all were thus enabled to return safely to the company’s line. The wound Corporal Elliott received in courageously protecting his comrades later caused his death. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.