The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clair S. Coleman (MCSN: 360094), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 2 July 1944. With his company pinned down by enemy machine gun fire and his Platoon Leader and Gunnery Sergeant wounded, Corporal Coleman assumed command of his platoon and in the face of intense hostile fire directed his men in destroying the enemy positions thereby enabling his company to advance. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Coleman and the United States Naval Service.