in 1969, ambassador elbrick was honored by the president of the united states with the rank of career ambassador, the highest in the foreign service, in recognition of especially distinguished service over a sustained period. following his retirement in 1973, elbrick was awarded the foreign service cup by his fellow foreign service officers. he resided in washington dc, and gilbertsville, new york. ambassador elbrick received an honorary doctorate from hartwick college in oneonta, new york.