The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Anthony Pitts (MCSN: 1054025), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. With casualties mounting in the face of heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire when his platoon attacked a strongly entrenched hostile force estimated at two infantry companies, Corporal Pitts voluntarily remained to help two wounded Marines while his unit redeployed to more favorable positions. Bravely exposing himself to enemy fire, he moved the stricken man to a covered position and, although isolated from his unit throughout the night, aided and defended his comrades until his platoon continued the attack and reached his position on the following morning. By his marked courage, daring initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others at grave risk to his own life, Corporal Pitts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CorporalBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
December 8, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Anthony Pitts (MCSN: 1054025), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 December 1950. Observing that one of his men lay wounded in an exposed position under a vicious hail of automatic weapons fire from well-concealed enemy emplacements, Sergeant Pitts unhesitatingly dashed into the fire-swept area to reach the casualty and, although nearly blinded by a serious head wound received as he ran, courageously continued until he arrived at the side of the fallen man. By following the shouted directions of other members of the platoon, he then succeeded in dragging the casualty to safety over the precipitous, fire-raked terrain. Sergeant Pitts, by his unflagging determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.