The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Curtis A. Holt (ASN: RA-6375605), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 4 September 1950 near Hyopchon, Korea. On the afternoon of this date his company was attacking strong enemy positions after crossing the Naktong River. Extremely heavy cross fire from enemy machine guns killed the company commander and wounded all of the company officers. Sergeant Holt immediately took charge of the company and, moving forward through the withering cross fire, proceeded to give his men an example of courage that enabled them to continue the attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained in front of the company and, by a magnificent display of courage and leadership, was able to lead the company on to its objective. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Holt on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Curtis A. Holt (ASN: RA-6375605), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 February 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date Sergeant Holt was in command of a weapons platoon which had been organized into a rifle platoon. The platoon was assigned to defend positions on high ground in the central sector of the company’s main line of resistance. At about 0300 hours a numerically superior enemy force launched a heavy attack on the position and completely severed communications between the platoon and the company command post. The platoon had been thrown into a state of almost complete disorganization by the deadly hostile fire when Sergeant Holt, by forceful leadership, rallied the wavering troops and welded them into a compact unit. Moving fearlessly from one foxhole to another, he encouraged his outnumbered men to withstand the repeated enemy onslaughts. Under his undaunted leadership, the platoon fought fiercely and tenaciously, inflicting heavy losses upon the enemy and holding their ground until relieved by friendly forces. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Sergeant Holt reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.