The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Clifford (MCSN: 0-16094), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Although painfully wounded early in the assault, First Lieutenant Clifford remained steadfast in his tank and accompanied by another vehicle proceeded through a hazardous mine field to support the attack on an airfield. Cool and determined, directed a successful assault against several hostile pillboxes and emplacements, thereby materially aiding our troops in their advance. By his initiative, courage and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Clifford upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.