Silver Star Medal Citation (posthumous)

Private First Class Elmer C Trepanier, 37302042, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near * * * , Normandy, France, on 11 July 1944. When a rifle platoon of his company was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a church steeple on its left flank and emplacements in a cliff overlooking the Vire River on its right flank, Private Trepanier's mortar section in which he was a gunner was ordered forward to deliver fire on the enemy river cliff positions. He scored three direct hits to destroy the enemy positions. During the action enemy mortar fire fell about him intermittently. Then enemy snipers began firing on whatever targets were presented. Completing his firing mission, Private Trepanier ordered his weapon out of action. Only after determining that all the other members of his squad were well on their way to a withdrawal did he leave his post. While withdrawing he was killed. The tenacity of purpose in performing his mission, unselfish loyalty for his comrades in placing their welfare above his own life, his skill and leadership in battle, manifest high character on the part of Private Trepanier and reflects credit upon the military service. Entered military service from Minnesota.

General Orders No. 20, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 15 August 1944 

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