The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Merrill Kinsell Clementson (NSN: 0-72597), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SNAPPER (SS-185), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled Pacific waters in World War II. Despite the strain of prolonged undersea operations in perilous hostile waters, Lieutenant Commander Clementson performed his essential duties with outstanding efficiency, employing skillful evasive tactics to counteract enemy countermeasures. By his valiant and inspiring leadership, he contributed to the sinking of an important amount of enemy shipping, including a FUBUKI class destroyer. Lieutenant Commander Clementson’s heroic devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Merrill Kinsell Clementson (NSN: 0-72597), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Assistant Approach Officer and Executive Officer of the U.S.S. SKIPJACK (SS-184), during the THIRD, FOURTH, and FIFTH War Patrols of that submarine in enemy-held waters during the period from 14 April 1942 to 26 November 1942. By his complete knowledge of the ship and through familiarity with the attack problem, Lieutenant Commander Clementson rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in sinking 36,000 tons of hostile shipping and in damaging a large enemy tanker. His courageous leadership and exemplary devotion to duty were an inspiration to the entire crew and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.