The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clifford D. Sirks (MCSN: 415758), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 20 June 1944. During an explosion and resultant fire in an ammunition dump, Private First Class Sirks, stoutly disregarding his own personal safety, unhesitatingly entered the danger area which contained large quantities of explosives, to isolate the fire until he was killed by a second explosion. Private First Class Sirks’ superb and selfless courage and his unfaltering devotion to duty at the risk of his own life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.