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 Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Keith O. Clements (ASN: 0-550283), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 24th Infantry Division, in action near Mintal, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 15 May 1945. On this day Lieutenant Clements, a platoon commander, was making a reconnaissance of a bridge to determine the possibilities of repairing the structure. The bridge was under very heavy enemy mortar fire and enemy sniper fire which made his approach to the bridge extremely difficult. After cautiously working his way to the bridge site and having to take cover from enemy action, Lieutenant Clements found on arrival that crossing the rifer could only be accomplished by wading the swift current which was arm-pit deep. On the other side were several litter casualties that were in urgent need of medical care. With utter disregard for his own safety and with the help of two volunteers, Lieutenant Clements, under heavy enemy fire, improvised a foot bridge by which the patients could be brought across and thus helped in saving the lives of the men. His action in the emergency reflects the greatest credit on himself and the military service. Lieutenant Clements was later killed in action at Bunawan, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 22 May 1945.