The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elias J. Kokotovich (MCSN: 314160), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity aboard the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), while that vessel was under tremendous aerial attack by enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Severely wounded by a bomb explosion as hostile planes swept low to rake the deck with cannon fire, Corporal Kokotovich, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, stood gamely by his battle station on board the carrier and manned an anti-aircraft gun throughout the action. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.