The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Elmer C. Trepanier (ASN: 37302042), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Normandy, France, on 11 July 1944. When a rifle platoon of his company was pinned down by enemy machine gun cross-fire from a church steeple on its left flank and emplacements in a cliff overlooking the **** River on its right flank, Private Trepanier’s mortar section in which he was a gunner was ordered forward to deliver fire on the enemy river cliff positions. He scored three direct hits to destroy the enemy positions. During the action enemy mortar fire fell about him intermittently. Then enemy snipers began firing on whatever targets were presented. Completing his firing mission, Private Trepanier ordered his weapon out of action. Only after determining that all the other members of his squad were well on their way to a withdrawal did he leave his post. While withdrawing he was killed. The tenacity of purpose in performing his mission, unselfish loyalty for his comrades in placing their welfare above his own life, his skill and leadership in battle, manifest high character on the part of Private Trepanier and reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.