The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph B. Pitt (ASN: 7005541), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action on 12 January 1943 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Corporal Pitt was detached from a machine gun company and attached to a rifle company which was making an attack on a strong enemy position. After advancing to within 300 yards of the objective the company was halted by enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Corporal Pitt picked up a light machine gun and advanced sixty yards, under enemy fire, firing his weapon as he walked forward. He accounted for two enemy machine gunners and one enemy rifleman and enabled the infantry company to continue toward its objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.