The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Thomas Edgar Clifford (ASN: 0-20339), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 17 April 1945 to 24 June 1945, at Mindanao, Philippine Islands. Constantly advancing with his forward elements through mountainous jungle terrain despite adverse weather conditions, heavily mined roads, and bitter enemy resistance, Colonel Clifford aggressively led his unit in a grueling, sustained drive from Parang to the south bank of the broad, un-fordable Davao River. Davao City, the objective on the opposite bank, was surrounded by flat swamps to the south and was well defended by a battalion of Japanese naval personnel who manned eight captured naval guns and an elaborate system of mutually supporting machine guns and 20-mm. dual-purpose weapons. After making a rapid reconnaissance, Colonel Clifford personally led the advance elements of his assault company across a small, hastily repaired foot bridge and, under small arms and artillery fire, fearlessly directed the establishment of the initial beachhead. His vigorous and bold leadership inspired his troops to consolidate and expand their foothold before darkness. The following morning, he skillfully deployed his men and led them in capturing the important city. Later, while directing his troops in combat, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his intrepid leadership, great personal bravery and fearless determination to perform his mission, Colonel Clifford played a major role in assuring the success of his regiment and his outstanding leadership and courage provided a lasting inspiration to his men. His actions exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Division:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 1943 – June 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Pacific, General Orders No. 317 (November 9, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel (Infantry) Thomas Edgar Clifford (ASN: 0-20339), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Southwest Pacific Area, from September 1943 to June 1945. Serving in various capacities with the 24th Infantry Division, Colonel Clifford displayed sound tactical judgment and marked ability in the successful accomplishment of many difficult and hazardous missions. Leading a thrust into Deparpre Bay in the Hollandia operation, he completely surprised the enemy, demoralized the entire Japanese defense, and spearheaded the attack which captured the great Hollandia Airdrome within five days. Brilliantly commanding a battalion in Leyte, he drove across the island and subsequently down the Ormoc corridor, delivering devastating blows against the enemy. Then, displaying unusual resourcefulness, he reorganized the 19th Infantry Regiment and built an extremely flexible organization which enabled him to commit forces simultaneously to operations in Mindoro and Luzon, to execute successive amphibious operations against widely separated enemy-held islands in the central Philippines, and to accomplish a last minute tactical change of beachhead in the amphibious landing in Mindanao with complete success. Directing the rapid advance of his regiment in Davao over mined roads, he swept into heavily defended Davao City and secured this important objective. Continuing to lead his men with unfaltering courage in combat near Tamogan, Mindanao, he was mortally wounded. Through his conspicuous bravery and tactical skill, Colonel Clifford set an example of inspiring leadership and made a notable contribution to the combat success of the 24th Infantry Division.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) [then Major]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
21st Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 22, 1944
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 12 (June 24, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) [then Major] Thomas Edgar Clifford (ASN: 0-20339), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 22 April 1944, at Dapapre, Dutch New Guinea. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford commanded a Battalion of the 19th Infantry Regiment, which landed at Dapapre, Dutch New Guinea, on 22 April 1944 and participated in the capture of the Hollandia Air Drome on 26 April 1944. throughout the entire period of this operation, often under enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford performed his duties in an outstanding manner, distinguishing himself by gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty by showing complete disregard for his own personal safety under all circumstances in order to accomplish his mission. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
34th Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 10 – 30, 1944
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 3 (December 10, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Thomas Edgar Clifford (ASN: 0-20339), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 10 to 30 November 1944, in the Philippine Islands. Leading his Battalion in an amphibious operation to effect the envelopment of an enemy position which had prevented a frontal advance for several days, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford aggressively executed the maneuver and seized a prepared enemy position well in rear of the main hostile defenses. Under extremely difficult supply and evacuation conditions, always in contact with the enemy and frequently attacked by much larger forces, his Battalion made determined and sustained harassing attacks on enemy supply lines and communications thus diverting and destroying a large number of hostile troops and disrupting a major enemy counter offensive. Without rest, after this arduous and highly effective action, the Battalion under his command and when reinforced by fresh troops, immediately launched a further determined attack. During this entire period, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford, by his aggressive leadership and courageous personal conduct in close contact with the enemy, imbued his men with an indomitable fighting spirit, the direct result of which was a costly and serious defeat of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford’s gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.