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 Elias F. Croson (ASN: 6985489), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 43d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 May 1945. Sergeant Croson’s battalion commander was wounded and lay in a foxhole which was being subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire. Sergeant Croson, along with six other enlisted men, volunteered to act as a litter party in order that the commander could be returned in the shortest possible time. There was no litter available so one had to be contrived out of bamboo and two ponchos. Without hesitation though already tired from several days of grueling combat, Sergeant Croson and his comrades undertook what he knew to be a dangerous and highly difficult task. The trip back to safe territory was difficult in the greatest extreme. Heavy rains had rendered the terrain impassible. The descent from the starting position was managed only with the maximum expenditure of energy. Sergeant Croson and his comrades descended the 45-degree incline by sliding on his back over slippery mud holding the commander steady by strength of arm. Proceeding laboriously for an hour under fierce hostile artillery fire and with total disregard for the shells exploding all around him, Sergeant Croson succeeded in reaching the battalion command post, where prompt medical attention was rendered to his stricken commander. In placing the life of a fellow man above his own, Sergeant Croson exemplified the highest traditions of the armed forces.