George William Elmore

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to George William Elmore (649315), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 26 February 1951. Braving intense hostile automatic-weapons and hand grenade fire which wounded several members of his squad while spearheading a platoon combat patrol, Private First Class Elmore moved to a more strategic position from which he delivered accurate rifle fire in order to furnish cover for the evacuation of casualties. Despite the personal risk involved in waging a lone fight from an unprotected location, he succeeded in effectively reducing the hostile fire and continued to engage the enemy until he received serious wounds which subsequently proved fatal. His courageous initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unselfish devotion to duty were contributing factors in the successful removal of the wounded and in saving the lives of many of his comrades, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon Private First Class Elmore and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.