The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Steuart L. Pittman (MCSN: 0-27028), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of an Allied Junk when that vessel was attacked by a heavily armed enemy Japanese junk off the East China Coast on 21 August 1945. When the first round from a 75-mm. pack howitzer killed his .30 caliber machine gun crew and helmsman, First Lieutenant Pittman promptly took over the helm and skillfully maneuvered his craft alongside the hostile vessel. Bold and aggressive, he remained in his exposed position throughout a bitterly fought close range engagement to account for many Japanese dead and wounded and to aid in the subsequent surrender of the remainder. By his daring initiative, expert seamanship and cool courage maintained in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Pittman contributed materially to the success of this hazardous operation against the enemy in the China Theater and his inspiring devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.