The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Larry Jack Clanton (AFSN: 3148616), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Forward Air Controller near Long Dien, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 February 1968. On that date, Captain Clanton was flying in support of friendly ground forces engaged in clearing the town of Long Diem of hostile forces. Because no other air weapons were available and without regard for his own safety, Captain Clanton made repeated low passes through heavy automatic weapons fire and fired his marking rockets at the hostile positions. He succeeded in destroying one machine gun and made it possible for the friendly forces to withdraw from a superior size hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Clanton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.