Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Lewis Cladin (MCSN: 0-29788), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Leader of an Assault Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Although wounded by enemy shrapnel and hand grenades shortly after landing, Second Lieutenant Cladin refused to be evacuated and insisted upon leading his platoon in an assault on hostile pillboxes which were delaying the advance of his company. Expertly maneuvering his men into position, he directed flanking fire on the Japanese emplacements and succeeded in destroying them. Then, wounded a second time as he came under a heavy mortar barrage, he again refused evacuation and resolutely continued to lead his platoon in the assault until relieved eight days later. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Cladin and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 61805

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Lewis Cladin (MCSN: 0-29788), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company T, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Eyukyu Islands, 11 May 1945. When his company was forced to withdraw in the face of heavy hostile artillery and machine gun fire, First Lieutenant Cladin courageously stood up in front of his platoon and despite extreme danger to himself threw smoke grenades to cover retiring movement of the platoon. Although he sustained a painful neck wound, he steadfastly refused to leave his post and continued to cover withdrawal until he collapsed. By his valiant actions, First Lieutenant Cladin upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.