Arthur G. Elder

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Arthur G. Elder, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer and Pilot of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN (VPB-117), in action on 25 March 1945 while deployed over Saigon. On that date Lieutenant Elder conducted an attack on shipping in Saigon Harbor, French Indochina, and sank three large merchant vessels. Two escort vessels and 20 small merchant vessels were also heavily strafed despite intense antiaircraft fire thrown up by the escort vessels. Although Lieutenant Elder’s aircraft was badly hit and several crewmen wounded, he managed to return to base, shooting down one enemy fighter on the way home. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.