Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (MC) Samuel E. Elmore, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Battalion of the THIRD Marine Division during the landing attack at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, British Solomon Islands on 1 November 1943. During the heaviest fighting, Lieutenant Elmore entered the area of the Japanese defensive position, where, under heavy fire, he assisted the wounded, many of whom were lying within sight of the enemy. While so engaged, he was attacked by a Japanese soldier, whom he stabbed to death in hand-to-hand combat, in order to save the lives of the wounded nearby. He also rendered medical aid to the injured at the battalion aid station which was repeatedly subjected to enemy machine gun fire. His courageous bearing served to avert panic among the wounded at the aid station, and his gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.