Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Clarence E. Corley, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 March 1951. When his company was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire during an attempt to seize a strategic hostile strong point in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Captain Corley unhesitatingly made his way to the foremost position of the action to appraise the tactical situation. Learning that one of his assault platoon commanders had been wounded and evacuated, he elected to follow the assault unit and, during the bitterly contested seizure of the intermediate objective, skillfully directed the fire of a rocket launcher which neutralized a well-defended enemy emplacement. Undeterred by the intense hostile mortar fire, he bravely led his company in the attack on the main objective and succeeded in seizing the enemy strong point with minimum casualties to his unit. By his inspiring leadership, marked courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Captain Corley contributed materially to the success achieved by his battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 28 & 29, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Clarence E. Corley, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20003), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 28 and 29 November 1950. When a vastly out-numbering hostile force attacked his company’s position and penetrated the center of the lines, Captain Corley fearlessly moved through intense small arms, mortar, artillery and machine gun fire while deploying his men and directing their fire to contain the breakthrough until reinforcements arrived from the battalion command post. Integrating the reinforcing troops with his own, he led a brilliantly executed counterattack against the aggressors and, although painfully wounded during the initial stages of the action, staunchly refused to be evacuated and remained to lead his men in a bitterly fought battle to rout the enemy and repulse the onslaught. His daring and aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and superb tactics in the face of heavy odds served as an inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon Captain Corley and the United States Naval Service.