The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Military Intelligence) Allen B. Clark, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Clark distinguished himself while serving with Detachment B-57, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action on 17 June 1967, while serving at the Special Forces camp at Dak To. In the early morning hours, the Special Forces camp was hit by enemy mortar fire. Captain Clark immediately sounded the alarm and began coordinating the defense of the camp. Captain Clark directed helicopter gunship support in conjunction with illumination flares being fired outside the camp perimeter by the camp’s mortar crew. During the attack, Captain Clark exposed himself repeatedly to the incoming mortar rounds in order to gain the best probable vantage point for directing the defense of the camp. Suddenly, a mortar round exploded beside Captain Clark, severely wounding him in both legs. Despite the severity of his wound, Captain Clark directed the medical aidman to treat his comrades’ wounds before his own. The inspiration instilled in the men of the camp by Captain Clark was instrumental in enabling the friendly forces to drive the enemy attackers away from the camp. Captain Clark’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.