(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Harry Walter Elkins, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Bastogne, Belgium, in December 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Elkins, 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.