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 Staff Sergeant Clarence Michael Self, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Self distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 3 July 1969, while serving as platoon sergeant with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a search and clear mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. While moving through dense jungle, Company B, engaged an unknown sized enemy force. Laying down an intense volume of fire Company B forced all but two of the enemy to withdraw. The remaining soldiers, hidden deep within a camouflaged bunker, continued to place accurate fire on the company. Staff Sergeant Self, seeing one of his men lying wounded in a small clearing directly in front of the bunker, immediately, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, charged the bunker. Staff Sergeant Self, along with a member of his platoon, used effective fire and maneuver techniques to reach the top of the enemy bunker after a speedy dash across a small clearing. From this position he effectively eliminated the enemy by rolling fragmentation grenades into their bunker. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Clarence Michael Self, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Self distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 September 1969, while serving Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a ground reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When Staff Sergeant Self’s unit became engaged by an estimated company-sized enemy force in a bunker complex, intense enemy fire separated the two platoons and pinned the lead platoon down prohibiting advance or withdrawal. Staff Sergeant Self immediately maneuvered his platoon as to cover the withdrawal of the first platoon. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Self inspired his men to keep up the base of fire. He also directed a portion of his force to the rear, securing additional ammunition and smoke to assist in bringing in supporting artillery and aerial rocket artillery fire. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.