The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Claude H. Childers (ASN: RA-25323598), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 23 June 1951, Sergeant Childers’ platoon, assigned the mission of securing a prominent ridge line running directly to Hill 717, was pinned down by enemy sniper fire from all directions. Sergeant Childers volunteered to go forward in an attempt to wipe out the sniper positions; and crawling over 200 yards of rough terrain, he cautiously advanced on two separate locations and taking the snipers by surprise killed them. He then proceeded further up the hill for another 100 yards and hurling grenades into a third position eliminated another sniper. Upon returning to his unit, he led the recoilless rifle squad back over the same route in order to knock out a hostile machine gun emplacement which he had noticed on his first trip. Pointing out the enemy position to the gunner, Sergeant Childers, by his acute observation and direction, enabled him to destroy the hostile automatic weapon. Sergeant Childers’ extreme courage and fearless gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

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 Claude H. Childers (ASN: RA-25323598), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 March 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, as elements of Company C were attacking enemy positions, intense small arms fire was received by advancing elements of the company. Private Childers, upon observing an enemy position which constituted a severe threat to the advance of one squad of his platoon, unhesitatingly turned over his radio to a wounded comrade. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he charged through heavy small arms fire toward the enemy position with his rifle and bayonet, killed two of the enemy and captured the remaining one. His heroic action enabled a squad of Company C to continue its advance and secure more advantageous firing positions. Private Childers’ initiative and gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.