The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Elbert C. Wilson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and decisively outstanding performance of duty during an attack by enemy planes upon the ship to which he was attached. Because of the intensive drilling of his crew in emergency exercises, only a minute and a half was required after general quarters was sounded for the guns to be manned and the emergency squad, handling fire and boat equipment, to go into action. A bomb made a direct hit on a hatch, starting a blaze in all sections of the hold. Within five minutes the fire was under control and flaming canvas, debris, and dunnage was being cleared from the decks. During this time, constant machine gun fire was maintained and the attacking plane was seen to drop, swerve, and finally was driven off. Lieutenant Commander Wilson’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.