The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas J. Clark (MCSN: 499115), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands 15 March 1945. Leading his squad in an assault on a ridge in his company’s zone of action in the face of heavy enemy fire, Corporal Clark received wounds which necessitated his evacuation. Returning to his post of duty within an hour, he led the remnants of his squad against the same enemy held ridge, personally routing the hostile forces by throwing grenades into caves and pillboxes. Although wounded for the second time and again ordered to the rear, he had served as an inspiration to the entire company. His courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.