The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard F. Titterson (MCSN: 654544), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 22 February 1953. Participating in a raid against a strongly fortified hostile position, Private First Class Titterson volunteered to act as pointman and, upon nearing the objective, again volunteered to lead a two-man team to seize a known enemy listening post located inside a burned out tank. Although realizing that the tank was undoubtedly mined and covered by enemy fire, he unhesitatingly crawled to within a few yards of the hulk and threw grenades into the open hatch. Later, he led the assault element over 700 yards of open terrain to reach the hostile position and, although sustaining painful wounds, delivered devastating small arms fire at point blank range upon the enemy, thereby covering the advance of flame throwers and supporting units while they seized the objective. By his indomitable courage, outstanding initiative and gallant devotion to duty, Private First Class Titterson served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.