Clayton J. I. Straw’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL CLAYTON J. I. STRAW, USMCR.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as gunner in a 75-mm. gun half-track serving with a company in the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 6, 1944.Engaged with his company in a coordinated attack against a heavily fortified road block, Corporal Straw repeatedly risked severe enemy fire by climbing to the top of the vehicle hood for clearer vision in his determined search for heavy hostile machine guns, antitank guns and riflemen skillfully concealed in the dense jungle undergrowth. Locating four Japanese positions, he directed his guns with deadly accuracy, firing at point-blank range of 50 yards and completely annihilating them. Corporal Straw’s splendid initiative and heroic conduct in the face of enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: Kerrmoor, Pa….Home of record: Washington, D.C…. Wounded on 3 October 1944 in the Palau Islands