The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Elmer L. Dauster (MCSN: 621546), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of an Artillery Forward Observer Team of Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 April 1951. When a large enemy force attacked the defense position during the hours of darkness and succeeded in penetrating an adjacent friendly unit, Private First Class Dauster bravely exposed himself to intense hostile automatic-weapons and small-arms fire to man an abandoned machine-gun post in line with the enemy’s main assault. Although seriously wounded early in the engagement, he continued to deliver withering fire upon the advancing hostile forces until evacuated for medical attention. By his exceptional courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Dauster served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.