Wilburn D. Pirtle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wilburn D. Pirtle (1015353), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Engineer Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 15 March 1951. Private First Class Pirtle, serving as a member of a demolition tam attached to an Infantry Company, displayed outstanding skill, courage and confidence in the performance of his duties. On one occasion during an engagement with numerically superior enemy forces, a fellow Marine was mortally wounded while attempting to throw a demolition charge in an enemy emplacement. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he volunteered to take the prepared demolition charge in an attempt to destroy the enemy position. Though subjected to direct enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he fearlessly moved to an exposed position from which he could accurately place the demolition charge on the enemy emplacement, thereby killing the occupying enemy forces and completely neutralizing their position. His courageous actions and devotion to duty served as an inspiration to all who observed him and materially contributed to the success achieved by his company. Private First Class Pirtle’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.