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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joe Robert Clark, Jr. (ASN: 0-531844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States from 13 to 16 November 1944 in France. During this period, Lieutenant Clark, serving as forward artillery observer, so courageously and brilliantly directed artillery fire upon the enemy that the supported infantry battalion was able to seize and hold vital high ground from a numerically superior enemy. At Maney, France, he preceded the infantry into the town and under severe enemy fire skillfully directed artillery fire. During severe combat, heedless of enemy fire, he at times directed artillery fire from the top of a tank. Lieutenant Clark’s courage, proficiency, and tireless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.