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 Elbert C. Gourley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy in January 1944. While his infantry company was assaulting a hill in Italy, Staff Sergeant Gourley went forward with the lead elements laying a line of communications from his mortar positions to the crest of the hill. Machine-gun fire from both flanks wounded men near him and, though handicapped by his field telephone and reel of wire, he continued forward until he reached the crest where he established an observation post. Despite continual mortar and automatic weapons fire he remained at the post directing the fire of his own mortars. His action greatly aided the company in securing their objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.