The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Marion C. Fordham, Jr. (ASN: 14163808), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action at Clairupt, France, on 12 November 1944. During an adance against strongly fortified enemy machine gun positions, Sergeant Fordham’s met determined resistance and he received a painful wound. Despite his innury, he braved the enemy fire to crawl forward to a position from which he was able to hurl hand grenades into the hostile emplacement. After he had exhausted his supply of grenades, Sergeant Fordham charged the position in an attempt to bayonet the enemy and was mortally wounded during the ensuing action at close quarters. By the unsurpassed bravery of his gallant conduct, Sergeant Fordham reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.