The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Elihu Williams (ASN: 34875057), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 April 1945. While acting as lead scout for his squad during an advance along a road, Private Williams was wounded in the leg by a sudden hostile artillery barrage. After taking cover, he learned that another scout’s arm had been blown off by an enemy shell. Despite his injury, Private Williams immediately left his shelter and exposed himself to Japanese artillery and machine gun fire to go to the wounded man’s assistance. His brave action and prompt first aid treatment saved the injured man’s life. 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.