The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wilburn D. Pirtle (MCSN: 1015353), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), as a member of a demolition team attached to an infantry company, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. Although keenly aware that a fellow Marine had been mortally wounded while attempting to throw a demolition charge into an enemy emplacement during an engagement with numerically superior hostile forces, Private First Class Pirtle unhesitatingly volunteered to complete the hazardous mission. Bravely making his way to an exposed position in the face of direct enemy machine gun and small arms fire, he placed the demolition charge squarely on the objective, killing the hostile troops within the emplacement and completely neutralizing the strong point. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Pirtle served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.