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 Eugene Elrod (ASN: 34710900), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 19 March 1945 in Germany. On that date, the platoon to which Sergeant Elrod was attached was moving east from Eisenach, Germany, on the Reichsutobahn. Upon receiving small arms fire from enemy troops a six-man patrol was sent forward on foot. While moving forward the patrol was suddenly fired upon from a new position and temporarily delayed by an enemy machine gun. Sergeant Elrod, disregarding his own personal safety, drove his vehicle to an exposed position and fired upon the enemy with his machine gun. In a fierce exchange of fire Sergeant Elrod killed five of the enemy and wounded several others. By this fearless act he enabled his companions to withdraw to a covered position without casualties. The courage, aggressiveness, and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Elrod were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.