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 Cyril E. Tritz (ASN: RA-17270027), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 8086th Army Base Unit in the vicinity of Solson Island, Korea, on 15 and 16 August 1951. On the night of 15 August, Solsom Island, a friendly base deep behind enemy lines, was attacked by a numerically superior hostile force. During this assault, Corporal Tritz directed deadly accurate automatic weapons fire against the enemy, successfully holding them back until the small friendly force was ready to effect the evacuation of the island. With the enemy force disorganized by his devastating volume of fire, Corporal Tritz then detonated explosives which destroyed all supplies and equipment on the island. Before leaving, Corporal Tritz realized that several partisans had been left behind, and he immediately returned to rescue them. When all members of the friendly force had boarded boats, the small fleet made its way to safety. Through the heroic efforts of Corporal Tritz, the successful withdrawal from the island base was made possible with nothing of value being left behind to fall into enemy hands. The gallantry and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Tritz throughout this action reflect great credit on himself and the military service.