The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Russell B. Clark (ASN: 6959107), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 339th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action on 2 October 1944, near C. de Tattini, Italy. While emplacing his heavy machine guns, Staff Sergeant Clark noticed a numerically superior enemy force supported by heavy tanks forming for a counterattack. Immediately he advanced to a position in the center of the sector from which he could direct fire on the enemy. A heavy barrage of tank, mortar and machine gun fire swept his positions, and as the attacking force advanced the tanks delivered direct fire on his men and adjacent riflemen. Refusing to withdraw, Staff Sergeant Clark strode up and down the defensive line, encouraging his men and directing their fire with tracers from his automatic rifle. Although enemy fire was being directed closer to him each minute, he refused to return to his slit trench or deviate from his encouragement and fire direction. When the enemy had advanced to points within two hundred yards of his position, the attack was stopped, and the enemy withdrew, leaving at least thirty dead and wounded. As the enemy fled the tanks delivered a terrific barrage on the American positions, but Staff Sergeant Clark still directed fire at the backs of the retreating enemy until he was killed. The fearlessness and determination of Staff Sergeant Clark were an inspiration to all who witnessed his heroic performance. Staff Sergeant Clark’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Russell B. Clark (ASN: 6959107), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 339th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, in action during World War II. Staff Sergeant Clark’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.