The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Clarence Stanley Mengler (MCSN: 1180182), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 June 1952. Volunteering to serve as a machine gunner of a combat patrol which was almost certain to contact the enemy, Corporal Mengler spotted the first of the hostile troops and shot him at close range with a pistol before opening fire with his machine gun on the rest of the enemy. Critically wounded during the ensuing fire fight, he steadfastly refused to leave his gun and continued to fire the weapon until contact with the enemy was broken. By his aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Mengler served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.