Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

Captain (Infantry) Clarence Riley Bess (ASN: 0-22060), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in 1945.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    31st Infantry Regiment

    Action Date:

    1942
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Clarence Riley Bess (ASN: 0-22060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, in the defense of Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Bess, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.