The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Clyde Philip Coates, Jr. (MCSN: 452412), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 September 1951. Obtaining permission to head the assault squad in an attack against a strong enemy position, Corporal Coates courageously led the men through intense hostile fire to the very edge of the enemy emplacements. When the assault began to lose momentum after severe casualties had depleted their number, he unhesitatingly rallied the group with words of encouragement and, placing several hand grenades with deadly accuracy, rose to lead the squad over the enemy position, personally destroyed one heavy machine gun and accounted for an undetermined number of hostile troops. Once the objective had been overrun, he skillfully deployed his men in hastily assumed defensive positions and repulsed a subsequent enemy counterattack. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Corporal Coates upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.