The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William H. Clark, Jr. (MCSN: 597864), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 4 – 5 October 1952. When the patrol was ambushed by a numerically superior hostile force deep in enemy territory, Private First Class Clark continually exposed himself to intense enemy rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire to deliver effective fire and to cover the activities of other personnel who were evacuating the wounded. During the withdrawal, he skillfully directed fire against the enemy and was one of the last to leave the area. Although painfully wounded, he volunteered to return to the point of contact in an attempt to locate a missing comrade. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Clark served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.