The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Sterling L. Garrett (MCSN: 1099570), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 June 1951. Moving with his squad up a hill in hostile territory when leading elements of the unit were pinned down near the crest by intense and accurate enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, Private First Class Garrett exposed himself to the deadly hostile fire to maneuver his fire team more efficiently and to place accurate fire on the concealed enemy, thereby allowing his comrades to carry the wounded to safety. Informed that two casualties were lying in exposed positions, he moved over the fire-swept ground to reach them. Although painfully wounded himself during this maneuver, he continued to fight a rear-guard action for his comrades, and then directed tank fire on the enemy positions. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Garrett upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.