The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clifford E. Butterfield (MCSN: 1120815), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. Assuming the operation of a machine gun when its gunner became a casualty during a violent attack by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Butterfield exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire to direct his own intense and accurate fire upon the advancing attackers. Painfully wounded about the face and shoulders when an enemy hand grenade put his weapon out of action, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated, seized an automatic rifle from a wounded comrade and continued to pour heavy fire on the enemy. Wounded a second time by a hostile grenade, which also damaged the automatic rifle, he again refused medical attention and proceeded to borrow a rifle, continuing to engage the enemy until the attack was repulsed. By his outstanding initiative, resolute determination and great personal bravery throughout, Private First Class Butterfield served to inspire all who observed him and aided materially in the successful defense of the strategic ground. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.