The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clifford Putman (ASN: 32253196), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, at ****, Holland. During the attack on ****, Corporal Putman of the Second Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was subjected to heavy shell fire and at the same time was harassed by snipers and a high velocity gun. The position suffered a direct hit that wounded two of the men and buried them all. When Corporal Putman regained his senses, he succeeded in extracting himself and the other men and carried them to safety. Although wounded, Corporal Putman refused to be evacuated and participated in a successful attack that same afternoon. That evening he volunteered to lead a patrol in mopping up the surrounding area. The patrol captured nine prisoners before Corporal Putman was hit by shrapnel and had to be evacuated. By his self determination to push ahead, Corporal Putman was a material aid to the success of the attack. 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.