The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas E. Clawson (MCSN: 1207725), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Flame Tank Commander of Headquarters Company, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. Informed that his platoon leader’s tank was disabled a few yards from enemy trenches during a combat raid on strongly fortified hostile positions, Corporal Clawson fearlessly advanced through intense enemy small arms and mortar fire to the disabled tank and, discovering that the platoon leader was killed and a crew member critically wounded, immediately administered first aid to the wounded man, subsequently putting the stalled vehicle back into operation. When a heavy concentration of enemy fire and dusk prevented the tank driver from seeing well enough to drive the tank from its perilous position, Corporal Clawson unhesitatingly assumed an exposed position on the turret to direct the driver over the route of withdrawal and, despite painful wounds from hostile fire while thus exposed, remained in his position until the vehicle reached friendly lines. By his resourcefulness, courageous initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Corporal Clawson served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.