The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John F. Clarke (MCSN: 288343), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Forward Scout serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 20 September 1944. Observing the leading scout lying wounded and helplessly exposed to hostile fire as he courageously advanced forward of his platoon during a hazardous attack against a heavily fortified Japanese ridge, Private First Class Clarke unhesitatingly made his way through intense machine gun and rifle fire in an effort to rescue his comrade. Struck down by the enemy, he immediately stood up and heroically continued to move forward until mortally wounded upon reaching his stricken companion. Private First Class Clarke’s outstanding valor and self-sacrificing conduct on behalf of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.