The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joey W. Clements, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Searchlight Crewman with Battery I (Searchlight), 2d Battalion, 29th Artillery Regiment, II Field Force, on 14 June 1970, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Private First Class Clements and his Section Chief were operating a searchlight on the defensive perimeter of their Base when their element suddenly received heavy enemy mortar and rocket-propelled grenade fire. In the initial moments of contact, his Section Chief was wounded, and Private Clements was forced to engage the advancing enemy with a machine gun until he had expended his ammunition. He then left to replenish his ammunition supply, and as he returned to the defensive position with the additional ammunition, he received severe shrapnel wounds in both legs and his chest. Refusing to be evacuated, he manned the machine gun and continued to provide effective suppressive fire. As he maneuvered to another position, he received arm wounds by a grenade. Still refusing aid, he manned the new position until the enemy broke contact. Private Clements’ gallantry was instrumental in the repelling of the hostile force. Private First Class Clements’ actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.