Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Company C, 760th Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division "Old Ironsides", U.S. Army

For gallantry in action on 6 January 1944, near Mt. Porchia, Italy. While commanding his company in combat, Capt. Elderkin's arm was broken by the recoil of the 75mm gun in his tank. He continued to direct the employment of the tanks of his company despite his injury. When his command tank burned after being hit by enemy fire, Capt. Elderkin climbed into the turret of another tank and continued to direct fire. An artillery shell struck the antenna of this tank, rendering the radio useless. Capt. Elderkin then made his way through heavy artillery fire to two other tanks in order to direct the employment of his armor more advantageously. Over two hours later, after the action had been completed, Capt. Elderkin permitted himself to be evacuated for treatment. His courage under fire ans fortitude despite his injury were a source of inspiration to his men and exempflifies the highest tradition of the Armed Forces.