The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clifford A. Ryerson (MCSN: 354693), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a Platoon of Company I, Third battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. When the advance of his platoon was slowed down by intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Corporal Ryerson armed himself with demolition lines in the face of hostile fire, destroyed nine enemy pillboxes, thereby contributing materially to the advance of his platoon in this area. By his courage and initiative throughout this hazardous operation Corporal Ryerson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.