THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Thank you great grandpa for all your deeds. I'll always remember you.

Private First Class Michael Allen Clute, Served with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Michael A. Clute
Date of death: February 17, 1969
Home of record: Hinsdale New York
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael A. Clute (MCSN: 2454839), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, while engaged in a company-sized search and clear mission southeast of the Vandegrift Combat Base at Quang Tri Province, Private First Class Clute's platoon came under intense fire from a hostile force well-entrenched in a camouflaged bunker complex and a Marine in a forward position was mortally wounded. After his squad's attempt to envelop the enemy position was thwarted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire and several attempts to retrieve the fallen man resulted in injuries to other Marines, Private First Class Clute, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly crawled across the fire-swept terrain to reach the casualty. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting near him, he boldly remained in this dangerously exposed position and began recovery efforts until the increased intensity of hostile fire rendered his position untenable, forcing him to return to his squad. Resolutely determined to complete his mission after the enemy fire had subsided, Private First Class Clute, again braving the hostile fire, crawled to the side of the fallen Marine and continued his recovery efforts until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his courage, bold initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, Private First Class Clute inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 17-Feb-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company G

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Dear PFC Michael Clute,
Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. December is here, along with all the preparations. It is almost Christmas. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.