The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Clarence J. Mabry (MCSN: 0-8420), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. With the assault units of his battalion pinned down by intense fire during an attack against strongly defended and well-entrenched hostile position in the vicinity of Son’ga-ri, Major Mabry fearlessly moved forward to an exposed position under the heavy enemy small arms, mortar and machine gun fire and, after conducting a hasty reconnaissance of the area, directed the company commanders in the assault. After establishing a first aid station, he personally supervised the evacuation of approximately 25 wounded Marines and, although suffering from concussion from the blast of an exploding mortar shell, continued his courageous efforts until all casualties had received treatment and had been evacuated. By his forceful and determined leadership, outstanding heroism and grave concern for others at great personal risk, Major Mabry contributed materially to the success achieved by his battalion, and his inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
February 21 – March 14, 1951
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane BlakeneyThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major Clarence J. Mabry (MCSN: 0-8420), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 21 February to 14 March 1951. Throughout this period, Major Mabry discharged his many responsibilities with exceptional skill and initiative. A capable and inspiring officer, he constantly demonstrated a sound knowledge of military tactics and effectively led his battalion in the attack from Wonju to Hongchon through extremely difficult terrain, seizing successive, well-organized and heavily defended enemy positions. By his resourcefulness, aggressive leadership and unswerving devotion to duty, Major Mabry was directly instrumental in the tactical success achieved by the regiment and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Major Mabry is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 9 & 10, 1951
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 Major Clarence J. Mabry (MCSN: 0-8420), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 9 and 10 June 1951. Assuming command of the battalion when his commanding officer became a casualty during the initial stages of an attack against strong enemy positions, Major Mabry displayed exceptional skill and resourcefulness in directing his unit in the ultimate seizure of the day’s objective and, on the following morning, formulated plans for and directed a daring assault on a large hostile force occupying heavily fortified and camouflaged positions on the slopes and summit of a hill mass with almost vertical approaches. Despite the severe handicaps imposed by communication failures, adverse weather conditions and a tortuous supply and evacuation route over rugged terrain exposed to heavy enemy fire, he succeeded in overcoming these difficulties and relentlessly pressed the attack. Although authorized to effect a withdrawal of the battalion at sundown, Major Mabry unhesitatingly elected to continue the attack despite numerous casualties within his command, and constantly exposed himself to devastating enemy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire while directing the progress of the assault companies. His maximum and effective use of supporting arms and sound tactical judgment in committing his reserve at the crucial moment of the action were decisive factors in the ultimate achievement of the objective. When the objective had been secured, he skillfully directed the reorganization of the battalion and the preparation of a defense line, enabling his unit to successfully repel a vicious enemy counterattack. By his courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of a vital mission, Major Mabry served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.