The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Clifford C. Hills (MCSN: 242400), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 11 May 1945. While maneuvering his platoon into position for a flanking attack against a strongly fortified hostile emplacement, Platoon Sergeant Hills braved continuous enemy fire to supervise and aid in the evacuation of two Marines seriously wounded by heavy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire. Although wounded by heavy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire. Although wounded himself while rescuing his comrades, he remained with his platoon and led the successful assault on the objective despite further wound received from the heavy Japanese fire. His courage and devotion to duty and grave concern for the safety of other were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.