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 Clarence C. Howell (ASN: 34186905), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 25 and 26 March 1944. Private First Class Howell aided four wounded soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds. Displaying outstanding resourcefulness and courage, he treated men in an exposed area who had been wounded by an exploding mortar shell. He then led the stunned group over 100 yards of fire-swept terrain to the aid station. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Howell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.