The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clyde Norman Nelson (ASN: 33680872), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 January 1945, in Belgium. When his company had fought its way to a village through which a river ran, Private First Class Nelson discovered that an important bridge crossing the stream had been wired for demolition by the enemy. Despite heavy enemy fie placed on the area, Private First Class Nelson and a comrade moved forward and cut the wires before the demolitions could be fired, thus keeping the stream crossing intact. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Nelson, 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.