The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clarence C. Bleau (MCSN: 964411), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 5 May 1945. When he and his squad leader were cut off from the main body of their patrol and were left to carry out the mission of the patrol alone, Private First Class Bleau advanced with his squad leader and, despite intense hostile sniper fire and hand grenades, succeeded in destroying an enemy mortar and machine gun and annihilating thirteen Japanese. Although wounded by a grenade fragment during the course of action, he crawled back to friendly lines unaided. By his initiative and courageous devotion to duty, he was successful in completing the mission of his patrol, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.