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 Clifford H. Timberlake (ASN: 35778284), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Belgium. Private Timberlake, first gunner of a heavy machine gun squad, was advancing in support of a rifle platoon attacking enemy held ground. As the platoon neared the objective, Private Timberlake observed an enemy soldier, armed with a rocket launcher and hidden in a foxhole to the immediate front, preparing to hurl a hand grenade at the platoon and squad leaders who were leading the advance. Shouting to them of the imminent danger, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he assaulted the foxhole and beat the enemy soldier into submission with the machine gun tripod he was carrying. The courage, aggressiveness, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Private Timberlake were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.