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 Staff Sergeant Willard D. Clark (ASN: 37601395), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 22 September 1944. During an enemy counterattack, observing the dazed condition of the men under him and noticing that the entire platoon was isolated from the remainder of the company, Staff Sergeant Clark in spite of severe pain from wounds received in the artillery barrage that preceded the counterattack, crawled to an exposed position and in the face of heavy automatic rifle fire from all directions, courageously reorganized the seven remaining men of his squad to defend the sector. Fully cognizant of the fact that his company had no reserves because of an extended front, he personally took up the fire fight against the superior enemy forces and killed 12 men with his rifle. His magnificent fighting spirit so inspired his men that they engaged the enemy with fierce determination for several hours, killing an additional 20 Germans and driving the enemy from the platoon area. Staff Sergeant Clark’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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.