The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Clyde Edward Saxon (MCSN: 2461616), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 18 March 1969, Lance Corporal Saxon’s platoon was occupying a defensive position during a search and destroy operation when the Marines came under attack by hand grenades supported by a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire and, while successfully repelling the attack, sustained several casualties. Observing that the medical evacuation helicopter which he had requested was receiving intense automatic weapons fire from concealed enemy soldiers as it approached the landing zone, Lance Corporal Saxon made an attempt to warn the pilot by radio of the dangerous situation, and as the aircraft continued its approach, he realized that his communication efforts had been futile. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ran into the fire-swept landing zone and, in a desperate move to alert the pilot, stood in full view of the hostile soldiers and utilized hand and arm signals to wave off the aircraft. His warning was observed too late and, having lost full power, the helicopter was forced to land, making it a vulnerable target for the enemy. As the hostile unit concentrated its fire power against the aircraft, Lance Corporal Saxon was seriously wounded, but ignoring his painful injuries, he resolutely utilized his radio to communicate the current situation to the command post until he succumbed to his mortal wounds. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Saxon inspired all who observed him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.