The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Clarence Arthur Blouin (NSN: 0-137122), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in operations against the enemy as pilot of a fighter plane while leading a combined dive bombing and strafing attack, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, against two enemy cruisers and a destroyer, damaging all in an attack carried to a dangerously low level. On 10 October 1944, while leading a similar sweep, he destroyed a large hangar at Shinchiku Airfield with a direct bomb hit. On 10 October 1944 he led a destructive low-level strafing attack against enemy aircraft at Tokuno Shima Airfield. On 6 November 1944, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he led another destructive, low-level strafing attack against enemy aircraft at Clark Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His leadership, courage and disregard for his own safety were inspiring and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.