The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clayton P. Barcomb (ASN: ER-51053791), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chudong-ni, Korea. On that date Private Barcomb’s platoon had the mission of seizing and securing a high hill. Private Barcomb, a rifleman, was far in advance of his comrades while advancing upon the objective, when suddenly the enemy brought intense small arms and automatic weapons fire upon him from their well-concealed positions. Private Barcomb, with utter disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to the intense enemy fire and fought a desperate hand grenade battle with the enemy above him. When the platoon was ordered to make a tactical withdrawal he voluntarily remained behind and opened a steady volume of fire which kept the enemy pinned down, thus enabling his comrades to reach safety. Heedless of his own welfare, Private Barcomb then helped a wounded comrade to safety. His courageous actions enabled his platoon to withdraw with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed by Private Barcomb reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.