(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Clifford Clark Neilson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Neilson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in May 1968. Lieutenant Colonel Neilson led his battalion in repelling an enemy attack near an air base outside Saigon. The 18-hour battle ended with more than 287 North Vietnamese Army troops killed, with the loss of only five American dead. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Neilson, 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.