The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Fireman First Class Elmer Rudolph Bernson (NSN: 3725348), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity against the enemy while serving aboard a landing craft, tank, participating in the assault on France, 6 June 1944. Fireman First Class Bernson, while serving as throttleman, was severely wounded by fragments of a 57-mm. shell which pierced the wheel house of the craft, but despite his wounds he kept his post and continued to operate the throttles during the period when the craft was being beached and retracted, and succeeded with the aid of the helmsman in heading her to seaward. Finally, only when weakened by the loss of blood he slumped to the deck and had to be carried form his post for the sake of rendering him first aid. The devotion to duty and bravery displayed by Fireman First Class Bernson on this occasion were in large measure responsible for preserving the craft, which during the period of its approach and retraction from the beach received seventeen shell hits. The actions of Fireman First Class Bernson were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.