The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clement M. Vierra (MCSN: 478645), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Marine Parachute Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces near Kol-ari, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 29 November 1943. When his platoon was held up by heavy Japanese machine-gun fire, Private First Class Vierra unhesitatingly charged the hostile machine-gun position, sacrificing his life in a courageous attempt to put it out of action. His valiant fighting spirit in the face of grave peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.