The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wilbert E. Pruitt (MCSN: 390099), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands on 21 July 1944. When his automatic rifle was knocked out by an enemy grenade during a Japanese counter attack, Private First Class Pruitt armed himself with a pistol and remained in position aiding in repulsing the enemy bayonet charges. On one occasion he disarmed one of the enemy with his bare hands and prevented his position from being overrun and although wounded in the encounter, held his position throughout the night. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Pruitt and the United States Naval Service.