Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Dewitt B. Strickland (ASN: 18019810), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop C, 32d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), III Corps, in action against the enemy on 18 December 1944, near *****, Belgium. Private Strickland, as a member of a patrol attempting to recover abandoned equipment, voluntarily and with complete disregard for his personal safety, manned a machine gun and assisted by another soldier boldly maneuvered in a quarter-ton truck to an exposed position in the face of heavy enemy automatic and small arms fire. He placed such accurate fire on the enemy that recovery of the equipment was accomplished without suffering any personnel casualties. The gallantry and daring display by Private Strickland reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1950
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 142 (February 19, 1951)t

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Dewitt B. Strickland (ASN: 18019810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 September 1950, near Haman, Korea, Sergeant First Class Strickland’s platoon was immobilized by a heavy concentration of hostile fire. Quickly securing a light machine gun, he ran to a forward vantage point and directed a heavy volume of counterfire on the enemy emplacements. Although operating the weapon single-handedly, he forced the enemy to cover and maintained his deadly fire until the platoon advanced and set the foe to flight. Sergeant First Class Strickland’s initiative, courage and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.