The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Arthur George Elser (AFSN: FR-55461), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 22 November 1967. On that date, Captain Elser was flying a night interdiction mission deep in hostile territory when he spotted three supply trucks moving along one of the major infiltration routes used by the Army of North Vietnam. When it was discovered that there was an anti-aircraft site guarding the road where the trucks were, Captain Elser, with complete disregard for his own safety, turned his aircraft lights on to draw its fire upon himself so that the fighter aircraft could deliver its ordnance without being fired upon. Because of his taring tactics, the gun position was silenced and three trucks destroyed, without loss to friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Elser has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.