The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Clyde Pickrell (ASN: 34678830), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 10 March 1945, near Wildenguth, France. Sergeant Pickrell was a member of a combat patrol that was attacked by a strong enemy force. Remaining behind with one squad under intense hostile fire, he silenced one enemy machine gun with hand grenades, and then exchanged grenades with German snipers who fired at him from the flank. When the squad withdrew, Sergeant Pickrell covered the movement with his rifle. Before he could withdraw himself, he was hit and wounded and has been reported as missing in action. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty, Sergeant Pickrell enabled his squad to cover the patrol’s withdrawal.