The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain David A. Elder, United States Navy, for gallantry in action when bomb fragments and flying shrapnel wounded two men on the bridge of his destroyer at Palermo, Sicily, on 1 August 1943. Boatswain Elder went to their assistance to administer first aid. During the height of the attack, he assisted one of the men down the ladders from the bridge to the nearest battle dressing station. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.