The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Clarence E. Wallace (NSN: B-310534), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 November 1968, the Second Platoon was conducting a patrol in the Mutter’s Ridge area of Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties. Rapidly assessing the situation, Hospitalman Wallace disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly moved across fire-swept terrain to reach the injured men and administer first aid. When key personnel were seriously wounded during the ensuing fire fight, he skillfully supervised the evacuation of the casualties to a collection point several hundred meters down the trail and quickly established a defensive perimeter. Personally taking charge of the platoon’s radio, he established and maintained communications with the company command group to report the tactical situation, thereby enabling his commander to dispatch a reaction force and provide supporting fire for the beleaguered platoon. Although painfully wounded, he ignored his own injuries as he moved among the casualties throughout the night to comfort and encourage the wounded Marines and prepare them for evacuation on the following morning. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving many Marines from further injury or possible death. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Hospitalman Wallace upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.