The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clinton C. Short (ASN: 35212048), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division at Mainit River, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 28 October 1944. Private Short was an acting squad leader during the attack against a strong enemy force at the Mainit River Bridge on Highway #2. The enemy was strongly entrenched on the northwest bank of the Mainit River and covered the bridge and highway approaching it. The strength of their position made necessary an enveloping movement by a company of infantry, which crossed the rifer 500 yards northeast of the bridge and then turned southwest along Highway #2 to assault the left flank of the enemy. Private Short led his squad toward the enemy under a heavy fire from their emplacements. Early in the assault his helmet was blown off his head by a sniper’s bullet, but he continued to advance, calling to his men and indicating targets for them. He observed a knee mortar position and charged with rifle and bayonet, killing the gunner. At one time he walked boldly down the road in full view of the enemy in order to have better observation in directing his men forward. His fearless leadership and outstanding devotion to duty inspired his platoon and company to complete the 500 yard assault which paved the way for a general regimental advance the following day. Private Short’s heroism, which resulted in his being wounded and evacuated during the final assault, is worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.