The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Staff Sergeant Harlow G. Clark (ASN: 0-2007706), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division. During the battle for the “Top of the World” near Fort Stotsenburg on 31 January 1945, Sergeant Clark was advancing with an observation group which included his battalion commander, executive officer, S-2 and S-3. Although the group was in defilade from the front, it was fully exposed to the rear while crossing a wide-open stretch of ground. Suddenly it was brought under enemy rifle fire from the rear which killed one man and forced the others to hit the ground fully in view of the enemy. Sergeant Clark spotted a well-concealed cave 40 yards away and, without hesitation, he jumped up and dashed toward the cave firing as he ran. He so surprised the enemy that he was able to gain entrance to the cave where he killed one rifleman at point-blank range. Although not knowing the number of enemy still inside, Sergeant Clark stood at the cave entrance and threw in several hand grenades. He then investigated finding three dead Japanese who had been armed with rifles, adequate ammunition, and grenades. Sergeant Clark’s gallant actions enabled the observation post group to continue without further casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Staff Sergeant Harlow G. Clark (ASN: 0-2007706), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 30 January 1945. Sergeant Clark, a member of an infantry battalion S-2 Section, was at an advance observation post when an enemy machine .gun opened fire, and seriously wounded a soldier who lay in an exposed, position under the hostile fire. Sergeant Clark immediately left his sheltered position to go to the injured man’s aid, and although Japanese machine gun bullets kicked up dust around his feet, he successfully reached the casualty and helped carry him to a position of safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.