The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Ramon A. Clarke (ASN: 0-1925027), United States Army, for gallantry in action in Korea on 21 February 1953, while assigned as Platoon Leader of Company B, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. As the designated patrol leader of a combat patrol, Captain Clarke’s mission was to make contact with the enemy’s forward positions east of Saterie Valley. Upon departure from the forward area, the contact part of the patrol which he was personally leading became heavily engaged with the enemy. In view of this critical situation, Captain Clarke wisely decided to break off contact to preclude possible capture of any member of his patrol. He then ordered the withdrawal of the patrol while he remained with the Browning Automatic Rifleman to cover the group. Despite a severe arm wound from an enemy grenade, he successfully extricated his patrol Captain Clarke’s courage, superior leadership, and his exemplary conduct under enemy fire are in the best traditions of the United States Army, and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.