The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Clarence Holcomb (NSN: 2746551), United States Navy, for gallantry in action during World War II. Manning a 30-caliber gun on the port side of his warship off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Holcomb sighted a Japanese plane coming in fast on a low-altitude bombing and strafing run. Releasing his gun for a moment, he literally threw two shipmates behind the protection of the outboard main deck passageway, then grabbed his gun and poured a stream of lead into the approaching plane. He diverted the bomb attack but fell a victim to the plane’s deadly strafing. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.