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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Otto W. Clemens (ASN: 0-1300761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily during the period from July through October 1943. Although painfully wounded while leading his men in an attack upon the enemy, Lieutenant Clemens refused medical treatment, remained with his men under heavy enemy machine gun, rifle, and mortar fire, and continued leading the attack. When his platoon was ordered to withdraw to more favorable positions, Lieutenant Clemens brilliantly led a highly successful withdrawal to more favorable positions. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 107 (October 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Otto W. Clemens (ASN: 0-1300761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. 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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 28 (April 11, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Otto W. Clemens (ASN: 0-1300761), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1943, near Gela, Sicily. Observing an abandoned anti-tank gun in an exposed position, Lieutenant Clemens, refusing to order a subordinate to almost certain death, raced across two hundred yards of shell swept ground, seized the gun, swung it into position, and proceeded to open destructive fire upon the Enemy. Lieutenant Clemens fired and reloaded in the face of concentrated enemy artillery and machine gun attack, and stopped at one time only long enough to field strip the block of his weapon when it jammed. In the face of determined enemy attempts to silence him, his efforts proved to be an important factor in enabling the battalion to repel the enemy attack. First Lieutenant Clemens, by his display of extraordinary initiative, marked determination and great personal courage, exemplified the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.