The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Elmer A. Nuelle (ASN: 16170755), 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 15 March 1944. Staff Sergeant Nuelle led a group of three men who charged an enemy skirmish line in the face of intense machine gun and rifle fire and captured a Japanese pillbox after killing seven of its occupants. In an earlier attempt to gain the strongpoint, the officer leading the attack was badly wounded. Displaying indomitable courage, Staff Sergeant Nuelle picked him up and carried him to the safety of a covered position despite the devastating fire from enemy weapons. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Nuelle, 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.