The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Clair E. Willcox (MCSN: 0-59684), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 21 March to 3 April 1969. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Willcox aggressively led his battalion against North Vietnamese Army forces in a sustained operation to drive them from the Fire Support Base ARGONNE area located northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base. Assuming command after the initial assault had resulted in numerous casualties among the officers and key staff noncommissioned officer personnel of the command post, Lieutenant Colonel Willcox unhesitatingly undertook a helicopter reconnaissance of the battle area, although fully aware of the presence of hostile anti-aircraft emplacements. Throughout the night, as a result of his visual inspection he conceived a bold and imaginative plan designed to dislodge the enemy from the positions and the following morning, although his command post was subjected to a heavy mortar bombardment, he repeatedly exposed himself to the North Vietnamese Army fire to direct effective countermortar fire on suspected hostile emplacements. That afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel Willcox landed at Fire Support Base ARGONNE in the lead helicopter and, after establishing his command post proceeded to implement his plan of operation. For the next several days, he continually exposed himself to intense hostile fire as he moved about the hazardous terrain, skillfully directing the maneuvers of his companies and supervising the employment of his fire and supporting arms. His presence in the fire-swept area and his brilliant tactical movements against the well-equipped and tenacious enemy force instilled confidence and aggressiveness in his men. On 27 March, Lieutenant Colonel Willcox was seriously wounded in his right arm and hand. Steadfastly refusing medical evacuation, he accepted rudimentary first aid treatment and remained in the exposed position to direct and control the fire of his units and ensure that fire support was maintained during repeated clashes with the North Vietnamese Army forces. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in a decisive defeat of the hostile units. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Willcox upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.