The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Elmo G. Peterson (MCSN: 0-44420), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. With his platoon under attack by numerically superior hostile forces employing small arms, mortars and machine guns, First Lieutenant Peterson fearlessly braved the intense barrage while moving from position to position along the sector and directing the fire of his men against the advancing enemy. Painfully wounded during the initial phase of the action, he refused to be evacuated and, remaining steadfast, continued to supervise and control his units until the attack had been repulsed. After his wounds had been treated, he voluntarily led numerous patrols to scout enemy positions and, while exposed to blistering fire on one occasion, fearlessly crawled to the top of a ridge to observe and call down accurate mortar fire on hostile emplacements. By his daring initiative, aggressive and determined leadership and heroic actions, First Lieutenant Peterson contributed materially to the success achieved by his company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.