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 (Infantry) Robert C. Clements (ASN: 0-2010779), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Clements was in command of a group of riflemen and five tanks, with the mission of opening road between the 1st and 2d Battalions of his regiment. With the 1st Battalion at this time completely surrounded by the enemy, the opening of this road was extremely necessary to the entire operations. As the unit led by Lieutenant Clements entered a cut in a hill, the lead tank struck a mine and was immobilized. At the same time the enemy attacked with a numerically superior force, making necessary the withdrawal of his unit. Realizing that the tanks had to be turned around, he dismounted the infantrymen, and under the hail of enemy fire directed at him, placed the riflemen in position to cover and protect the tanks while they turned around. Although twice wounded by enemy fire, he continued to supervise the fire of the infantry until the tanks completed their maneuver. With this accomplished he was wounded a third time and was ordered to the rear. Before allowing himself to be evacuated, he insured that all of his wounded men were rescued and removed to safety. Lieutenant Clements’ courage throughout this engagement unquestionably prevented the enemy from destroying out tanks. The gallantry and inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Clements reflect great credit upon himself and fully uphold the high traditions of the military service.