Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1944

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 75 (December 20, 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 Private First Class Clifford W. Buzzard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 7 August 1944. Private Buzzard and a companion, armed with a rocket launcher and two rounds of ammunition, valiantly crawled 200 yards under withering enemy fire to a position only 20 yards from an enemy tank. With the tanks’ machine guns’ fire upon them, Private Buzzard and his companion loaded the launcher and fired two rounds, completely disabling the tank. Then, observing another enemy tank nearby, Private Buzzard crawled back over his original route to obtain more ammunition. Returning under heavy fire, he joined his companion, who had moved into firing position near the second tank, and they again loaded and fired two rounds, completely destroying the second tank. Private First Class Buzzard’s 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, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.