The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clarence Edward Ayers, Jr. (MCSN: 538554), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group, on 18 September 1944. Volunteering to assist in removing casualties to the rear when no stretcher-bearers were available during the sustained attack on a fiercely defended coral ridge, Private First Class Ayers boldly made his way forward under a terrific concentration of rifle and machine gun fire and, leading litter bearers to dangerously exposed positions in front of their own lines, worked with untiring energy in directing and aiding the evacuation of wounded Marines until he himself was fatally struck down by a burst of enemy fire. Private First Class Ayers’ intrepid initiative, resolute fortitude and cool courage in the face of savage, unceasing opposition contributed materially to the saving of many lives, and his valiant devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.