The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Robert P. Elmer, Jr., United States Coast Guard (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry in action while serving as officer in charge of salvage boat while attached to the U.S.S. JOSEPH T. DICKMAN (AP-26) during the assault at Salerno, Italy, on 9 September 1943. Braving intermittent enemy bombing and strafing attacks, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Elmer skillfully directed the recovery of damaged and stranded assault craft upon the various landing beaches.