SP4 BOBBY J. MCELWAIN WAS AWARDED THE SILVER STAR FOR HIS ACTIONS ON ON MAY 13, 1970.

Silver Star For Gallantry In Action

​

Specialist Four Bobby J. McElwain distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 13 May 1970 while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Co A 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry.  On that date, the company was conducting a sweep of an area near O Bau when it was assaulted by an unknown size enemy force.  During the ensuing battle, a friendly helicopter being used for the extraction of friendly casualties was shot down by the hostile fire.

​

With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist McElwain moved through the hostile barrage to remove the wounded men from the downed ship.  Braving a barrage of enemy rounds, he pulled an unconscious door gunner from the aircraft and began treating the man's wounds.

​

When friendly gunships began strafing runs over enemy positions near the downed helicopter, Specialist McElwain secured a smoke grenade and marked his position to protect his wounded fellow soldier and himself.  He then moved the door gunner to an extraction site and exposed himself to enemy fire while placing several other friendly casualties aboard an evacuation helicopter.

​

Through his timely and courageous action, Specialist McElwain was instrumental in saving the lives of three fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to his entire unit.