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) Clifford Andrew Philipsen (ASN: 0-2019364), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 27 August 1950, near Sobu-dong, in the Naktong River, Korea. Lieutenant Philipsen voluntarily organized a four man patrol, whose mission was to destroy sixteen enemy rafts, located on the west bank of the Naktong River. Lieutenant Philipsen, without regard to his own personal safety, led his three men carrying two five gallon cans of gasoline, across 200 yards of white, sandy beach under direct observation, and intense machine gun and small arms fire, from an undetermined number of enemy troops. He then swam 150 yards of swift water in order to reach the enemy rafts. Upon reaching the rafts, Lieutenant Philipsen calmly and systematically went about destroying and directing the destruction of the enemy material under extremely hazardous conditions. After completing the destruction of the rafts, Lieutenant Philipsen led his patrol back across the river under enemy small arms, machine gun, and artillery fire. This action of burning the rafts deprived the enemy of a possible means of crossing the river. Lieutenant Philipsen’s leadership, courage and resourcefulness reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.