The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Elmer W. Harris (AFSN: AO-433840), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber of the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 28 April 1952. On that date, Major Harris was flying number three position in a flight of four F-86 type aircraft when the flight was attacked by a much larger force of enemy planes. The enemy’s determined aggressiveness caused the flight to split into elements, and during a defensive maneuver, Major Harris’ element was forced to break up. Immediately three of the enemy planes attacked the wingman and two attacked Major Harris. Disregarding his own precarious situation, Major Harris attacked the three MiGs, shooting one of them down and forcing the other two to break off. Then Major Harris switched his attention to his own attackers, but before he could gain the offensive, his wingman was again attacked by a flight of enemy planes. For the second time Major Harris completely disregarded personal safety to aid his wingman, and again he destroyed one of the enemy planes and forced the others to break off their attack. Through his high courage, aggressive airmanship, and outstanding devotion to duty in the face of direct enemy attack, Major Harris reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.