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 Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Wadsworth Paul Clapp (ASN: 0-23687), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 55th Armored Engineer Combat Battalion, 10th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 19 February 1945. On that date, Colonel Clapp was entrusted with supervising engineer operations in connection with establishing a bridgehead across the Saar River near Ayl, Germany. Braving intense fire from Siegfried Line defenses, Colonel Clapp courageously remained at the exposed position personally supervising operations, inspiring and encouraging his men by his fearless example. Laboring tirelessly for three days without relief he succeeded in getting across six battalions of infantry, but on 22 February he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Lieutenant Colonel Clapp’s heroic determination and his supreme, courageous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.