The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Harold A. Clifford (ASN: 0-1176923), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 August 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Clifford was serving as forward artillery observer when the infantry troops his battalion was supporting were pinned down by the enemy. Having lost contact with his own radio, First Lieutenant Clifford went forward under severe enemy artillery and mortar fire to use the radio of an infantry company, for communication with the artillery. Although constantly exposed to enemy fire on his position, he maintained contact with the artillery and enabled it to give effective support. During a counterattack, First Lieutenant Clifford was wounded, but refused to receive medical aid until he was sure that the enemy had been repulsed. First Lieutenant Clifford’s splendid display of courage and fortitude was in large measure responsible for the success of this attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Clifford, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.