The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Richard F. Clayton (ASN: 32069823), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 March 1945, in the vicinity of Honnef, Germany. Acting as platoon guide, Sergeant Clayton led a six-man patrol to scout the forward slope of a hill overlooking the company’s objective. Advancing alone, he captured an enemy outpost of two men and, returning toward his patrol’s position, captured the relief for the outpost. Again advancing alone, he charged a hostile machine gun position and effected the surrender of its crew. Later, when an enemy counter-attack materialized, he, with a BAR, accounted for more than twenty-five Germans. In a subsequent action, while heroically exposing himself to draw enemy fire, which imperiled his platoon, Sergeant Clayton was mortally wounded. His exemplary skill, extraordinary courage, and conspicuous heroism at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 78th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.