Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Clare Francis Farley (ASN: 0-25915), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Division Engineer, Alaska, from 1964 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Farley and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    2d Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24 – 26, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 200 (June 19, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Corps of Engineers) Clare Francis Farley (ASN: 0-25915), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 24 to 26 May 1951, in the vicinity of Changnamni and Umyangni, Korea. Major Farley was given the mission of organizing two companies of the 2d Engineer Combat Battalion and an attached light equipage platoon in the vicinity of Hangye, Korea, proceeding to Umyangni, and there constructing floating bridging across the Soyang river to permit continuation of an attack by the X Corps. On 24 May he attempted to reconnoiter the bridge site but was brought under enemy fire and forced to draw back. On 25 May an attempt was made to move the engineer elements to the Soyang River by running the 10 miles of road which the enemy controlled, to the bridge site under cover of darkness. The convoy came under heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire from an estimated enemy regiment in the vicinity of Changnamni and after sustaining heavy casualties was forced to turn back. Undaunted by two successive setbacks, and the lowering morale of his troops because of heavy losses and extreme fatigue, Major Farley organized a smaller group of engineers and succeeded in running another enemy roadblock of small arms fire during the evening of 25 May. The following morning, after going without sleep for 48 hours, Major Farley organized his small engineer force and initiated the construction of the bridge while the site was still under enemy mortar fire. As a result of his continued inspiring leadership through this extended period the bridge across the Soyang river was completed by 1200 hours, 26 May 1951, and the attack of the X Corps continued. The gallantry and fortitude displayed oy Major Farley reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.