Richard F. Titterson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard F. Titterson (654544), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein), FMF, in Korea, on 22 February 1953. Serving as a platoon runner, Private First Class Titterson displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. During a raid on a strongly fortified hostile position, he volunteered to be the point man. Upon nearing the objective, he again fearlessly volunteered to lead a two-man team to seize a known enemy listening post located inside a burned out tank. Although realizing that the tank was undoubtedly mined and covered by enemy fire, he unhesitatingly crawled to within a few yards of the hulk and threw grenades into the open hatch. Later, he courageously led the assault element over seven hundred yards of open terrain to reach the enemy position. Although painfully wounded, he delivered devastating small arms fire at point-blank range into the enemy. He dauntlessly covered the advance of the flame throwers and supporting units as they seized the objective. Private First Class Titterson’s gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.