The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Henry H. Clay (MCSN: 2403575), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 22 November 1968, while participating in Operation MEADE RIVER in the La Hoa area, Company D became heavily engaged with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese force employing automatic weapons and 60-mm. mortars. When the Marines received several casualties and began to withdraw to consolidate, Private First Class Clay, who was serving as Forward Air Controller Radio Operator, unhesitatingly maneuvered to an advantageous position from which to direct the required air support. Although painfully wounded, he steadfastly continued to direct the air strikes against the North Vietnamese position. Moving to the landing zone, he skillfully directed a flare ship and two gunships in support of a medical evacuation helicopter, enabling it to land and extract seven casualties. Realizing the continued need for flare/gunship support and the requirement for fixed wing air strikes to cover additional casualty evacuation attempts at first light, he resolutely remained with his company and coordinated highly effective aircraft support throughout the night. At dawn, he directed the medical evacuation helicopters into the landing zone, and after all the other evacuees had embarked, he boarded the aircraft himself. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of seven Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Clay upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.