The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant [then Second Lieutenant] James I. Tittle (ASN: 0-2204078), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near the Kum River, Korea, on 16 July 1950. During an attack by a numerically superior enemy force his battery’s position was subjected to intense artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fire he went among the troops personally directing howitzer and small arms fire on enemy infantry and machine gun positions, inflicting heavy casualties and halting the advance. The enemy, however, after seven hours of furious frontal assault, abandoned his attempt to overrun the position and diverted his efforts to the battery’s rear. In spite of the heroic stand against overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Tittle was forced by this maneuver to withdraw. His path blocked by an enemy strong point he personally succeeded in breaking through with several tanks. This success, however, was short-lived as the enemy, continuing to pour more men and arms into the fight, prevented further evacuation . This avenue of escape blocked, he directed the battery through enemy lines over mountainous terrain to the safety of friendly positions. His gallant actions in the defense of his positions, and his heroic example were an inspiration to his men and reflect the greatest credit on himself and the military service.