The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clarence M. Cramer (MCSN: 464522), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on December 22, 1943. Voluntarily risking his life in the face of withering hostile shell fire, Private First Class Cramer courageously left a position of safety and with a companion proceeded 150 yards through enemy infested territory to attempt the rescue of a seriously wounded Marine lying within Japanese lines. Although fully aware of the danger involved in such a hazardous operation he successfully evacuated the injured man and with great difficulty carried him up a steep hill to a place of safety. Private First Class Cramer’s cool courage under fire, splendid initiative and great personal valor against almost insurmountable odds saved a comrade from probable capture or death and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.