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Navy Federal Credit Union
Elmer
Jay
Voorhis
Jr.

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Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    37th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 20, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 870 (December 21, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Elmer Jay Voorhis, Jr. (ASN: 0-1174182), United States Army, for gallantry in actin as Commanding Officer, Battery A, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy on 20 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Captain Voorhis’ battery was subjected to intense artillery fire. Realizing that many of his men were wounded, Captain Voorhis, with complete disregard for his personal safety, circulated throughout the battery area giving aid and comfort to the wounded and supervising their evacuation. He continued to encourage his men and give aid to the wounded until the enemy fire had ceased falling in the immediate area. As a result of his immediate action, the battery suffered a minimum of casualties, and evacuation of the wounded was expedited. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Voorhis reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    37th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 13, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 119 (May 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Elmer Jay Voorhis, Jr. (ASN: 0-1174182), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 13 February 1951 at Chipyong-ni, Korea. On the night of that date his unit was engaged in supporting friendly infantry in the defense of a perimeter against attacks by overwhelming enemy forces. While a fire mission was in progress, Lieutenant Voorhis left his foxhole and crossed approximately 50 yards of open terrain swept by heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire to join his gun crews and direct and encourage them in the face of the heavy enemy fire. His heroic actions were a source of great inspiration to his men and were instrumental in insuring the success of the battery’s mission. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Voorhis reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.