The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Elmer Moskowitz (MCSN: 0-10991), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while serving as an officer of a shore party attached to the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during a landing attack at Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. Discovering that the portion of the beach assigned to his party was untenable under the devastating fire from an enemy bunker, First Lieutenant Moskowitz promptly took measures to prevent a delay in the unloading of supplies and equipment vital to the success of the attack. Forming a combat team, he unhesitatingly led his men in a vigorous assault on the hostile emplacement, completely destroying it and killing the six Japanese occupants. Resuming his initial task, he organized and directed the work of his detail from an unprotected position on the beach, remaining steadfast throughout the day in spite of frequent enemy machine-gun fire. His splendid initiative and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.