The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Granville H. Truitt (ASN: 0-2004011), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 February 1953 in the vicinity of Umchon, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Truitt led a patrol to Outpost WARSAW for the regular nightly occupancy of the strategic position. Shortly after his men had been placed in position, a large force of Chinese were observed moving up the side of the hill and entering the trenches occupied by his comrades. Lieutenant Truitt immediately led his patrol against the enemy in a furious fire fight and after a brief battle, ordered his men to counterattack to gain better positions of defense. Openly exposing himself to the enemy, he placed himself in front of his men and valiantly led them forward through the withering hail of enemy fire to better defensive positions. During this important strategic adjustment of the defense, Lieutenant Truitt was mortally wounded. His aggressive action and selfless devotion to duty inflicted numerous enemy casualties which subsequently resulted in the successful defense of the key terrain position. The gallantry in action exhibited by Lieutenant Truitt reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.