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.