The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Clay W. Reeves (MCSN: 455256), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 13 to 19 March 1945. Cool in the face of heavy hostile fire on 19 March, Sergeant Reeves skillfully supervised bulldozer crews in constructing roads for use by tanks and, in addition, courageously exposed himself to enemy bombardment to direct the fire of tanks in his platoon sector, thus enabling his company left flank to continue their advance against the Japanese. Seriously wounded during his heroic action, he contributed materially to the success of his company during this period of operation, and his courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.