(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Elmer L. Hodgson (ASN: 35007527), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on or about 8 July 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Elmer L. Hodgson (ASN: 35007527), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February 1945. As Staff Sergeant Hodgson’s company advanced toward an enemy-held town, a machine gun opened fire and seriously wounded one man. Staff Sergeant Hodgson immediately made a quick reconnaissance, advancing 50 yards across open terrain to locate the well-camouflaged pillbox. When within ten yards of the emplacement he received an initial burst of rifle and machine gun fire. However, he advanced boldly and placed well-aimed fire into the pillbox apertures. When this did not silence the enemy activity, he stood erect and threw several hand grenades into the position, silencing the gun and killing five Japanese who were manning the position. Staff Sergeant Hodgson’s aggressiveness reduced an important enemy strong point and allowed his unit to successfully complete its mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Hodgson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.