The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Earnest Arthur Clark (MCSN: 0-30947), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 22 February 1945. While maneuvering his platoon into position alongside a unit that had suffered heavy casualties, Second Lieutenant Clark observed four critically wounded Marines lying in a fire lane covered by enemy machine guns. IN the face of intense mortar and small arms fire and further handicapped by a driving rain he proceeded to the helpless Marines and in four trips carried the men to a place of comparative safety. He then organized litter teams and directed the evacuation of the wounded men for medical treatment. His courageous conduct, daring leadership and gallant concern for the welfare of others reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Clark and the United States Naval Services.