The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Clarence W. Friesen (MCSN: 0-49949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 December 1950. Assigned a mission to seize a strongly defended, snow-covered enemy hill which commanded the division’s main supply route, Second Lieutenant Friesen, exposing himself to devastating hostile fire, led an assault on the position and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, skillfully directed their fires. Although sustaining a severe head wound which paralyzed his left arm and side, he refused evacuation and, inspiring his platoon to rout the entrenched enemy, consented to medical treatment only after the position had been secured and a defense line established. By his valiant fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and determination, Second Lieutenant Friesen contributed immeasurably to the success achieved by the company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.