The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain David Alexander Clement (MCSN: 0-44907), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 26 – 27 July 1953. Assigned the difficult and hazardous mission of reinforcing by night a vital combat outpost that was under murderous enemy mortar and artillery fire and also subjected to hostile attack, Captain Clement fearlessly led his company through hostile interdictory fire and, despite adverse weather conditions and the constant threat of enemy ambush, successfully reached his objective with a minimum of delay. Informed that the local commander had become a casualty, he immediately assumed command and exposed himself to deadly hostile fire to reorganize the defense positions, skillfully placing his men to reinforce the position, organizing and directing local counterattacks to repulse enemy infiltrations and inspiring and encouraging the heroic defenders. By his aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and marked courage, Captain Clement was largely responsible for the success of his company in defending the vital outpost despite numerous enemy attempts to overrun the position. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.