The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Clifton W. Jackson (MCSN: 417961), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a Rifle Platoon, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 20 June 1945. While working his way up a hill in the face of heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Jackson voluntarily took a squad of men and led them through the hostile barrage to destroy two Japanese machine guns and a mortar position which were harassing the battalion front. He then set up a defensive position with his squad, directing intensive and accurate fire against the enemy and destroying over fifty Japanese who were maneuvering to meet the flanking movement of the company. Seriously wounded by an enemy sniper during this action, Sergeant Jackson, despite his own critical condition, pointed out the sniper’s position and enabled his squad to destroy him. His aggressive initiative and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Clifton W. Jackson (MCSN: 417961), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 May 1945. When his unit assaulted a strongly-fortified hostile position, Corporal Jackson exposed himself to heavy mortar and machine-gun fire to locate and point out enemy pillboxes and gun positions. Later, while directing his squad in successfully repelling a severe hostile counterattack, he organized his men in the face of withering enemy fire and led them in a decisive assault resulting in the annihilation of the hostile force. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.