Lewis Cladin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lewis Cladin (0-29788), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Leader of an Assault Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Although wounded by enemy shrapnel and hand grenades shortly after landing, Second Lieutenant Cladin refused to be evacuated and insisted upon leading his platoon in an assault on hostile pillboxes which were delaying the advance of his company. Expertly maneuvering his men into position, he directed flanking fire on the Japanese emplacements and succeeded in destroying them. Then, wounded a second time as he came under a heavy mortar barrage, he again refused evacuation and resolutely continued to lead his platoon in the assault until relieved eight days later. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Cladin and the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 00396