The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Claude S. Haggard (MCSN: 367077), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas on 8 July 1944. Voluntarily leading a patrol in a valiant attempt to wipe out enemy snipers and machine gun nests which had fired on the battalion command post during the night, Corporal Haggard fearlessly closed in on strongly fortified cave positions where he succeeded in destroying several Japanese snipers. The, making a bold advance across an exposed ridge and along steep cliffs, he gained a strategic position, deployed his men for maximum tactical advantage and launched a determined attack on an enemy machine gun emplacement. Pouring a steady stream of devastating fire on the hostile installation he forced the Japanese to withdraw into a partially destroyed pill box, then captured their deserted gun and immediately organized an assault on the enemy’s temporary refuge, led his men in a terrific fire fight which resulted in the annihilation of seven Japanese soldiers but cost him his own life. An indomitable fighter, Corporal Haggard, by his resolute leadership, determined aggressiveness and cool courage in the face of fanatic opposition contributed materially to the ultimate conquest of this vital Japanese stronghold and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.