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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William J. Clarke, Jr. (ASN: 0-1043896), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On the evening of 5 January 1945, Lieutenant Clarke displayed unusual valor and leadership when he utterly disregarded his personal safety in the face of terrific enemy automatic and mortar fire to install the weapons of his platoon in effective positions and to direct their fire to stem the enemy’s attack on Stattmatten. While personally engaging the enemy, Lieutenant Clarke was hit by machine gun fire and died instantly, but his courageous leadership inspired the men of his platoon so as to contribute heavily to the successful repulse of the enemy.