The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Elmer R. Foster (MCSN: 0-37941), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 June 1952. Initiating his third attack through intense and accurate enemy fire while participating in a close support mission against heavily defended hostile front-line positions, Captain Foster sustained severe wounds when an enemy anti-aircraft projectile struck his plane, shattering the canopy and exploding the cockpit. Courageously pressing home the attack despite his painful wounds, the damage to his plane and the increasing defensive fire, he scored direct bomb and rocket hits on a hostile command post and an automatic weapons position. Although rapidly losing consciousness and suffering intense pain, he skillfully maneuvered his crippled aircraft and succeeded in landing safely on a small emergency crash strip near the front lines. By his outstanding courage, gallant fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Foster contributed greatly to the success of a mission that substantially reduced enemy pressure on friendly troops of the Republic of Korea Army, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.