Albert L. Clark

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Albert L. Clark (0-11852), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Night Fighter Squadron during the withdrawal from Hagaru-ri, on 7 November 1950. As a Flight Leader of a night fighter flight in the vicinity of Hagaru-ri, in the early morning of 7 December 1950, Major Clark reported into the close air support control center, which was operating from radio jeeps in the 1st Marine Division convoy. At the time he reported into the control center, the convoy had been stopped by a well developed enemy roadblock. This roadblock was covered by mortar and machine gun fire interdicting the vehicles of the convoy. When acquainted with the extremely hazardous terrain conditions existing in the area, he executed four night close air support attacks, which successfully interdicted enemy troops moving up on the convoy. These troops moved to within thirty yards of the vehicles on the road. The extremely high degree of professional skill, determination, and courage possessed by Major Clark permitted him to press these night air attacks to within a distance of fifty yards of the friendly convoy. His personal courage, determination, outstanding leadership, and heroic actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.