Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    9th Amphibian Tractor Battalion

    Division:

    Fleet Marine Force

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 04301

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Paul D. LeClair (MCSN: 336216), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Ninth Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against 14 May 1945. While under intense enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, Sergeant Le Clair voluntarily engaged in an attempt to evacuate twelve wounded Marines from behind hostile lines by amphibian tractor. After a hand grenade attack by eighteen Japanese soldiers was repulsed at extremely close range, the wounded were successfully loaded aboard the tractor which could only be backed out of the narrow defile in which it was lodged. Realizing the operator in the backward movement could not see, Sergeant Le Clair unhesitatingly placed himself atop the tractor’s bow and guided it a distance of one hundred yards until the terrain permitted it to turn and proceed to friendly lines where the wounded were given medical treatment. In addition to guiding the tractor which had become a target of opportunity for enemy artillery during its precarious trip, he killed several of the Japanese who attempted to disable the slow-moving vehicle with hand grenades. His initiative, resourcefulness and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.