The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Elmer H. Vermeer (ASN: 0-1103450), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, V Corps, in action on the coast of France during the period 6 June 1944 to 8 June 1944. On 7 June 1944, having landed the preceding day on the strongly fortified enemy-held beach, Lieutenant Vermeer volunteered to lead a patrol of five men on a mission designated to destroy an enemy observation post which had held out against previous assaults for thirty-six hours. In the course of this action, under devastating enemy fire and subjected to constantly exploding grenades, Lieutenant Vermeer, accompanied by another, moved forward while covered by the remainder of the patrol and succeeded in placing a heavy charge of fused TNT in an aperture in the observation post. The resulting explosion destroyed three of the enemy and allowed Lieutenant Vermeer to capture eight others. 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.