Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Regiment:

    87th Mountain Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    10th Mountain Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1945

    Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division, General Orders No. 104 (June 11, 1945)

    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 Staff Sergeant Wayne Campbell Clark (ASN: 39677099), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, near Torre Iussi, Italy. During an attack on a strongly defended mountain village, a platoon of infantrymen was pinned down by heavy artillery and machine gun fire. When two of the men were wounded, Staff Sergeant Clark, platoon guide, exposed himself to the deadly fire to reach the men, administer first aid, and remove them to cover. The then organized a litter team to evacuate the two wounded soldiers and returned to his platoon, reorganized the men and led one squad to flank an enemy machine gun squad which had been holding up the advance. Accomplishing this mission, he returned to lead his platoon in the final assault. While moving courageously through heavy fire rallying his men onward, he was struck by a bullet and died almost instantly. His gallant leadership and splendid example inspired his men to carry on the attack until the objective was won. By his heroic deeds, Staff Sergeant Clark has won undying fame in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.