Clyde Keller Burleson

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 114337 (December 18, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clyde K. Burleson (MCSN: 304304), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 26 February 1945.
Skillfully directing the fire and movement of his squad until it advanced to within fifteen yards of an enemy entrenchment strongly defended with automatic weapons and grenades, Corporal Burleson braved intense hostile fire to reconnoiter for weak spots in the enemy position from three different points on the squad front. Although severely wounded during a fierce three-hour action during which two automatic weapon emplacements were destroyed, he continued to direct and encourage his men until he lost consciousness.
By his skill, aggressive determination and courageous devotion to duty, Corporal Burleson contributed materially to the success of his squad in annihilating a large number of the Japanese and in destroying the position. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.