The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Robert S. Clark, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity when, as Captain of a PC boat, he accurately located the assigned beach for the assault landing on the Island of Sicily, 10 July 1943. Despite his continuous exposure to shore searchlights, Lieutenant Clark maintained his anchorage 3,000 yards from said beach and continued to give the pre-arranged signal so that all landing craft would be guided to their proper beach. Although this was done in the face of extreme danger of fire from the enemy, Lieutenant Clark had the courage to maintain fire silence knowing that if he opened fire the surprise element of the assault on the Island of Sicily would be lost. His gallantry and courage in the face of extreme danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.