The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal [then Private First Class] Clarence Arthur Mattson (ASN: ER-57504255), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 21 November 1950, near Majon-ni, Korea, Corporal Mattson was a member of a vehicular patrol which was attempting to make contact with friendly forces at Tongyang. As the patrol proceeded, it came under intense fire from enemy forces located on surrounding hills. The patrol was forced to halt and the patrol commander gave the order to dismount and seek cover. At this time Corporal Mattson commenced firing his Browning Automatic Rifle at the enemy, effectively covering the withdrawal of the other personnel on the vehicle. He remained on the vehicle until all had dismounted; and then he, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, dismounted and took up a firing position in front of the vehicle to further cover the withdrawal of the patrol. During this action Corporal Mattson was mortally wounded. The extreme courage and heroism displayed by Corporal Mattson on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.