The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Claude L. Wirt (MCSN: 1350576), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 – 25 July 1953. When his squad leader was killed during a savage mortar barrage on a critical sector of the main line of resistance, followed by an attack by a numerically superior enemy force, Private First Class Wirt immediately assumed command of the machine gun squad and skillfully directed fire upon the onrushing hordes of hostile troops. Although painfully wounded, he refused evacuation in order to remain with his squad in combat. When a fellow Marine’s weapon was knocked from his hands and he was being overpowered by two enemy soldiers during the ensuing hand-to-hand fighting in the trench line, he rushed to the aid of his comrade and killed both of the enemy with his pistol. Despite the intense enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire, he moved about the position to assist in the evacuation of casualties. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Wirt served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.