The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Beecher V. Pittman (ASN: AR-15422221), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. A motorized patrol traveling in the vicinity of Kumsan, Korea, on 3 November 1950, was forced to dismount and seek cover when a large hostile force opened fire from commanding positions. When complete envelopment was imminent, Sergeant First Class Pittman and another soldier crossed the fire-swept terrain to one of the vehicles, and returned to notify the company commander of the situation. He then guided the company to the site of the hostile force and assisted in an attack which routed the enemy and accounted for twenty-five killed and wounded. Sergeant First Class Pittman’s courageous initiative and staunch devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.