The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clifford W. Wildes (ASN: RA-14354440), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 14 February 1951, the enemy launched a massive attack on friendly positions near Chunjang-ni, Korea. Corporal Wildes, realizing the acute necessity for keeping his machine gun in action, constantly braved the deadly enemy barrage to move his weapon from position to position, preventing it from being a direct target for hostile mortar fire. During the heated engagement, Corporal Wildes was wounded but continued to operate the gun most effectively until it was finally disabled. When the force of the enemy attack eventually caused his unit to withdraw, his wounds prevented him from leaving with it. The enemy soon overran the abandoned area and Corporal Wildes, feigning death, remained on the hill until his platoon launched a counterattack, regaining the lost ground. Corporal Wildes’ remarkable exhibition of gallantry and extreme fortitude reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.