The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant William Copeland Clark (MCSN: 626267), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Weapons Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 June 1951. When the infantry company to which he was attached as a forward observer encountered an intense hostile mortar barrage while moving up a steep hill, Sergeant Clark advanced to an exposed vantage point on the crest of the hill and, although nearly exhausted from the arduous climb, succeeded in locating the enemy mortar emplacement. While transmitting his information over the radio, he was struck when a hostile shell exploded near him and fell mortally wounded. By his bold initiative, personal courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Clark contributed materially to the subsequent destruction of the hostile mortar position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.