John ALLEN Claggett

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Allen Claggett (490-54-6821), Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1970. Private Claggett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company E, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations in Thua Thein Province, Republic of Vietnam. While approaching an enemy bunker complex, Private (promoted to Cpl posthumously) Claggett’s platoon received intense hostile fire. Despite the heavy volume of hostile fire directed against him, Private Claggett maneuvered against the insurgents and returned fire. He moved to an open position and remained there, placing suppressive fire on the enemy until one of his comrades threw a hand grenade into an enemy bunker. Private Claggett then assaulted the bunker nearest him and was mortally wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire. Private Claggett’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.