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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Clifford Tompkins (ASN: 32043883), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1943. Private Tompkins, on his own initiative, crossed open terrain under heavy enemy fire to man a light machine gun, the crew of which had been killed or wounded in a strong enemy attack. With great daring, he remained in an exposed position and continued expertly to fire the gun until the threat of an enemy flank attack had been removed. 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

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 12, 1943
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 25 (September 21, 1943)

    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 Sergeant Clifford Tompkins (ASN: 32043883), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 July 1943, in the vicinity of Castelluccio Russo, Sicily. During an attack on strongly-defended enemy positions, an enemy machine gun and sniper’s nest were continually firing into Sergeant Tompkin’s organization. Due to their strategic position, this nest imperiled the advance of the entire organization. Realizing the danger of the situation, Sergeant Tompkins and another man started for the nest over open terrain and advanced to within 200 yards of the nest. At this point Sergeant Tompkins was wounded in the arm, but, refusing to retreat, ordered his companion to cover him while he advanced another hundred yards, and then made a last rush at the enemy position. This action resulted in the capture of two of the enemy, the wounding of two others, the destruction of the enemy emplacement, and the rout of those remaining in the nest. This outstanding act of bravery and complete disregard for personal safety assured the advance of Sergeant Tompkin’s battalion to its objective. His action is worthy of the highest praise. Sergeant Tompkins’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.