The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Wilfred D. Petit (ASN: 0-1010174), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy during the period 1 through 3 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yangpo, Korea, on the Naktong River line. On 1 September 1950, numerically superior enemy forces supported by tanks, anti-tank guns, and mortars had broken through the lines of an Infantry Regimental Combat Team and rushed to the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. Captain Petit was personally instrumental in regrouping his company in a successful effort to rescue surrounded infantrymen left behind by withdrawing elements of the Regimental Combat Team. Captain Petit, without regard for his own personal safety, while repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy tank, anti-tank, mortar and small arms fire, led his tank company in an aggressive and successful counter-attack with insufficient infantry support, thereby making the task more perilous. By his courageous and inspiring leadership, his company rescued many infantrymen from a fatal situation, repulsed the enemy, regained lost ground, and secured the Main Supply Route to two Regimental Combat Teams. The gallantry displayed by Captain Petit, his inspirational leadership, tactical ability, and unremitting devotion to duty, reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.