The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elmer E. Berg (ASN: ER-37025436), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea, on 14 February 1951. On that date his company was in defensive position fighting off heavy attacks by the enemy and the platoon in which Sergeant Berg was a squad leader became encircles. Sergeant Berg observed another squad which had become leaderless due to the loss of the squad leader. He immediately took charge of this squad and led it back to the platoon area, then proceeded to direct it in the defense of the platoon perimeter. Throwing heavy fire at the enemy under Sergeant Berg’s skillful and courageous leadership, this squad aided materially in the successful defensive action of the platoon. When the platoon later determined to force its way through the enemy lines, the evacuation of the wounded made a grave problem. Sergeant Berg, with complete disregard for his own safety, volunteered to act as the covering force for the evacuation. Remaining alone in position under incessant mortar and small arms fire from the enemy, Sergeant Berg covered the withdrawal himself, falling back only after all wounded had been safely removed. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Berg reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.