The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Edward Rexford McElroy (ASN: 0-27634), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Lieutenant McElroy was returning from a patrol in the Wonju area with fourteen men and was en route south on the Sillim-ni – Wonju Road. At about 1410 hours, the patrol came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy force of approximately 30 occupying high ground northeast of the road. The patrol immediately deployed to the sides of the road, splitting into two groups, and Lieutenant McElroy assumed command of the rear group. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he exposed himself in order to direct his men into firing positions and place fire upon the enemy while his men sought more covered positions. When he was attacked by two enemy who subjected him to close-range submachine gun fire, he killed both of them and calmly continued to direct the fire and movements of his group. His coolness, decisiveness and courage under fire were responsible for the successful conduct of his group and enabled the patrol to repel the hostile assault with heavy losses. His gallantry on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.