SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CLARENCE A. BARRETT

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1968 during Operation Hue City, Private First Class BARRETT’s squad was moving through a village to assist another Marine squad pinned down by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. As his squad advanced and came under intense enemy fire, he observed one Marine pinned down in the open. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class BARRETT stood fully exposed to hostile fire and delivered a heavy volume of machine gun fire which enabled the Marine to move to a covered position. Later, when his unit joined the beleaguered squad, he assisted in providing covering fire for three Marines lying in the open. When a fire team dispatched to aid the Marines came under intense fire and was directed to withdraw, Private First Class BARRETT fearlessly moved forward to deliver covering fire and draw the North Vietnamese fire away from his companions. Although painfully wounded in both legs by enemy automatic weapons fire, he steadfastly maintained his extremely hazardous position and provided suppressive fire until the other Marines had moved to safety. His determined efforts and aggressive fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Private First Class BARRETT upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC