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.

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.