Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    129th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1162 (July 31, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Elmer L. Holt (ASN: 37065182), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 March 1944. When his platoon, counterattacking a fiercely defended objective, was pinned down by cross fire from a machine gun on its flank, Private First Class Hold was the only man in a position which allowed maneuvering. Realizing the assault could not resume until the machine gun was silenced, he crawled to within fifteen yards of the weapon and, with a sudden, accurately aimed burst from his automatic rifle, killed all five members of the enemy gun crew. He then killed at least eight other Japanese soldiers who attempted to reach the weapon and put it back into action. Private First Class Holt’s audacious deed permitted his comrades to resume the attack and accomplish their mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Holt, 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.