The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Elmer R. Kresge (ASN: 0-810675), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 48th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, on 15 April 1945. Lieutenant Kresge demonstrated a high degree of aerial proficiency and tactical technique while leading a flight on a mission to bomb an enemy headquarters in the vicinity of Han Waldesruh, Germany. Unwilling to jeopardize the safety of his comrades, Lieutenant Kresge descended beneath a low overcast without escort to clearly identify the objective and observing red crosses on the objective he circled at low altitude through intense anti-aircraft fire until ground directions were received to attack despite the red cross markings. Lieutenant Kresge personally executed three runs on the target in the face of constant anti-aircraft opposition and led the attack with such skill that heavy damage and casualties were inflicted and the site was abandoned by the enemy.