The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Clay A. Boyd (MCSN: 0-8009), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as leader of a party assigned to reconnoiter and photograph Japanese positions on New Georgia, British Solomon Islands, during the period from 1 March to 17 March 1943. In order to complete this hazardous mission, Captain Boyd was required to traverse jungle terrain. Through his courageous leadership and accurate survey of Japanese activities, he contributed materially to the success of the reconnaissance and returned with information vital to the success of the subsequent New Georgia Campaign. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Boyd is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Captain Clay A. Boyd (MCSN: 0-8009), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States at Rice Anchorage, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Captain Boyd led his company in fierce fighting which drove the enemy from Enogai, New Georgia. From 14 June to 5 July 1943, Captain Boyd directed preliminary reconnaissance in advance of the landings with such foresight and thoroughness that the invading battalions were able to march undetected over trails he had prepared and attack the Japanese defenders of Dragon’s Peninsula from the rear. With sustained drive and vigor, he led his company in the march on Enogai from 7 to 11 July, wiping out a patrol and inflicting heavy enemy losses in bitter engagements, finally wearing down the last organized resistance and mopping up the remnants at Enogai Point. While his executive officer and three platoon leaders were wounded, he personally directed the operations of the company with such skill that all of its assigned objectives were attained with a minimum of losses.