The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman James A. McElroy (NSN: 2535260), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 11 September 1952. Serving as a Corpsman, Hospitalman McElroy displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty during a patrol action deep in enemy territory. The patrol was cut off by a numerically superior enemy force. Although he had been painfully wounded early in the action, he expressed complete disregard for his personal comfort and safety and repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to administer aid to his wounded comrades. When he saw a wounded machine gunner in an exposed area, he unhesitatingly ran to his aid. While amidst the hostile fire and caring for the wounded Marine, he was gain wounded but realizing the extreme danger of his position he picked the man up and carried him through the blanketing enemy fire to the comparative safety of a shell hole. He continued to tend the wounds of the patrol until the unit reached the safety of friendly lines whereupon Hospitalman McElroy collapsed as a result of his own wounds. His gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.