The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Clyde Thomas Pitts (MCSN: 269117), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Guide in Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. When his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were critically wounded by hostile fire during the Battalion’s advance guard action between Hagaru-ri and Koto-ri, Sergeant Pitts unhesitatingly assumed command of the newly formed platoon, immediately reorganized it and led his men in wiping out the remaining hostile resistance in that area. Assigned the mission of seizing a strong enemy position on a ridge dominating the road, he skillfully led his platoon in the successful capture of the enemy-held ridge. Although his platoon’s fire power was seriously reduced because of numerous casualties, he personally placed his men in defensive positions and, during a fierce hostile counterattack, moved from position to position to shout words of encouragement to his men and to direct accurate and effective fire on the enemy until fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. By his outstanding leadership, initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Pitts contributed materially to the successful seizure and defense of his platoon’s objective, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.