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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Clyde A. Cortez (ASN: 0-1318385), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 September 1950 in the vicinity of Sinban-ni, Korea. On that date his company was ordered to attack and seize Hill 286. The attack was launched with two platoons employing an enveloping movement. In the initial action, one of the platoon leaders was wounded and the leaderless platoon was pinned down by hostile machine gun fire. The other platoon, continuing the advance, caught the brunt of the relentless enemy fire and suffered several casualties. Seeing that the momentum of the assault was waning, Captain Cortez, the Company Executive Officer, immediately exposed himself to the vicious enemy fire and coordinated the supporting fires of the company’s mortars and machine guns. He then advanced to the leaderless platoon, reorganized its disheartened members under heavy fire, and led them forward. Throughout the engagement he exposed himself without regard for his personal safety as he directed the platoon in its assault against the well-entrenched enemy. Under his aggressive and inspirational leadership, the platoon followed his heroic example and continued to its objective, seizing and securing the hill. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Captain Cortez reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Clyde A. Cortez (ASN: 0-1318385), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy 26 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On that date he was Company Executive Officer when his unit was suddenly attacked by a large enemy force which succeeded in penetrating into the regimental command post area. He observed at once that the men in the area were confused by the intense enemy fire and were attempting to withdraw. With no thought for his personal safety, he ran across the fire-swept area and organized the men into an effective defense line, through which the forward elements could withdraw. During the entire attack, he continuously moved up and down the line of defense, in order to encourage his men and to better direct their fire. Despite the intense hostile fire, he maintained his line of defense until he received orders to withdraw. The gallant and inspiring leadership of Captain Cortez on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.