The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Clinton Lyle Hoatson, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Corpsman serving with the SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. When the LVT on which he was embarked was destroyed by an enemy mine during landing operations, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Hoatson although suffering severe pain from a broken leg received when the boat capsized, valiantly attempted to extricate other occupants from the wreckage. By his daring initiative, great personal valor and grave concern for the safety of his comrades at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Hoatson was an inspiration to all with whom he served and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.