The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Elwood Morse Tillson (NSN: 0-20324/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. OMAHA (CL-4), in action against enemy forces during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. With his ship at the peak of efficiency for the assault operations, Captain Tillson directed his vessel as a unit of the fire support group in action against enemy coastal defenses and, approaching the shore through mine-infested waters, delivered an effective barrage against hostile installations in the Toulon area. Engaging opposing batteries on Cape d’Esterel, 22 August 1944, he enabled garrison forces to establish themselves on the Ile de Porquerolles, thereby gaining a vital strategic island for the Allies. By his professional skill and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to Allied success in the area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.