The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clifford R. Halyard (ASN: 36740977), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Plaridel, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 February 1945. Private First Class Halyard, an automatic rifleman, was patrolling in front of an advancing infantry company, when he sighted an enemy machine gun concealed in the ruins of a building about forty yards to his front. Immediately realizing that the gun offered a serious threat to the forces following him, he rose to his feet, left cover, and charged the enemy position, firing as he advanced. When he had covered fifteen yards, the enemy sighted him and opened machine gun fire. Private First Class Halyard fell to the ground seriously wounded in the legs and chest, but, with grim determination, crawled forward under enemy fire for another fifteen yards. Firing as he advanced, he silenced the gun and killed the six enemy manning it. When his comrades reached him, he was dead. Private First Class Halyard, by his indomitable fighting spirit and heroic determination to eliminate a serous threat to his comrades, saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own, and enabled his company to continue its attack. Private First Class Halyard’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.