The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Clifton R. Howard (MCSN: 327998), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery K, Fourth 105-mm. Artillery Battalion, Corps Artillery, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Forces in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 June 1944. When a fire started by enemy shelling broke out in the battery ammunition dump, Sergeant Howard bravely assisted in extinguishing it, thereby preventing a dangerous explosion in the congested battery area and contributing materially to the saving of many lives and much vitally needed ammunition. His outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Howard and the United States Naval Service.