The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Clarence Ronald Polfer (NSN: 0-559159), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1972 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, exceptional leadership, devotion and loyalty to the United States, and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions, maintaining good order and discipline among the prisoners. Under constant harassment from their captors, and due to the frustrations of the prisoners during their long internment, many difficult situations arose, requiring perseverance, endurance and ingenuity. Using his extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and sound judgment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Clarence Ronald Polfer (NSN: 0-559159), United States Navy, for meritorious service while serving as Executive Officer of Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SEVEN (RVAH-7), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), from January to May 1972 during combat operations. Commander Polfer’s superb leadership by example and extensive operational experience were essential factors responsible for Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SEVEN’s unparalleled readiness posture. His extensive knowledge, personal guidance and management procedures, aggressive implementation of new tactics and unsurpassed professionalism resulted in an unequaled level of combat effectiveness. Commander Polfer’s inspirational leadership, his sincere interest in his personnel, unequaled professionalism and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Clarence Ronald Polfer (NSN: 0-559159), United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in May 1972. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]