The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Elmer L. O’Dell (ASN: 0-1167565), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 183d Field Artillery Group, III Corps, in action near *****, Belgium, on 5 January 1945. Lieutenant O’Dell, Acting S-2, realizing the seriousness of the situation when enemy artillery shells landed in close proximity to the Group Command Post, ordered a vehicle at once, and of his own volition proceeded to the area of the shelling. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he voluntarily entered the shelled area to secure data for a shelling report so that prompt counter-battery fire might be brought against the enemy. Despite intermittent enemy artillery fire he continued examining shell fragments, measuring craters and obtaining other vital information for the report. His actions were so prompt and his report so accurate that within fifteen minutes sound adjustments were being completed on the enemy battery doing the shelling. First Lieutenant O’Dell’s superb gallantry and unusual initiative exemplify his great personal qualities and are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.