The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Elias McClellan Poston, Jr. (ASN: 0-414171), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 135th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 26 January 1945, Captain Poston, artillery liaison officer with an infantry battalion, was accompanying the leading infantry elements when an enemy tank suddenly took up a position one thousand yards forward and began firing point blank. While our troops deployed, Captain Poston rushed to his radio-equipped vehicle and remained in the open without protection and under fire, directing our artillery until the enemy tank was destroyed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Poston, 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.