The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elbert B. Whisnant (ASN: 20454938), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 July 1944, in France. Sergeant Whisnant was serving as an Assistant Squad Leader with an Infantry Company engaged in an attack against the enemy. When his squad was pinned down by fire from a hidden enemy tank, Sergeant Whisnant voluntarily exposed himself to the fire in an endeavor to locate the hostile position. He was successful, and moving back to his squad, led a bazooka team to a position from which effective fire was placed on the tank, neutralizing the enemy position. Two of the enemy were killed and the remainder forced to flee, abandoning their tank and other equipment on the battlefield. The gallantry and aggressive initiative exhibited by Sergeant Whisnant enabled his company to continue the advance and successfully complete their mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Whisnant, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Elbert B. Whisnant (ASN: 20454938), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. On that date our bombers were returning from a mission across the Rhine River when one of them crashed and burst into flames in a demolition dump. On both sides of the bomber were large stacks of high explosives. Private First Class Whisnant, with complete disregard for his own safety, fought his way into the burning plane to evacuate some of its occupants until ordered to stop by his officers, at which time the plane and TNT exploded. By his gallant courage under the most hazardous conditions Private First Class Whisnant has been an inspiration to the men of his organization and his unselfish devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.