The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Clarence D. Puckett (MCSN: 271719), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Piva River area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on November 22, 1943. Courageously taking a position in advance of his own lines when his platoon was attacked by a strong enemy force, platoon Sergeant Puckett led his men in a fierce counter attack directing the fire of the mortar guns and personally hurling approximately thirty hand grenades at the advancing Japanese with devastating effect. By his aggressive fighting spirit and inspiring leadership platoon Sergeant Puckett succeeded in completely routing the enemy force. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.