The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Clarence R. Shay (ASN: 0-1690918), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 77th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Yongdong, Korea, on 25 July 1950. Lieutenant Shay was in command of and acting as Battery Executive Of Battery A in the most forward position of the 1st Cavalry Division. His battery was one of two in direct support of the First Battalion of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. At about 1100 hours, North Korean troops infiltrated around the flanks of the First Battalion and placed his battery under fire with mortars, automatic weapons and small arms. The force of the assault was such that all personnel were pinned in their fox holes. With complete disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Shay, acting as chief of section and gunner, turned the howitzer to fire direct fire on the enemy troops attacking his position. This courageous action stopped the enemy fire and allowed his battery to continue their mission. His heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.