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 Thomas C. Clark (ASN: 34788870), 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. The platoon to which Private First Class Clark was attached as a rifleman led a battalion assault on strongly held enemy positions. During the course of the fiercely contested battle the squad leader became a casualty and Private First Class Clark received a wound in the left arm. Realizing the importance of the squad position to the entire plan of attack, Private First Class Clark, refusing medical aid, assumed command and rallied the squad to hold the vital ground gained until supporting forces arrived. His courage, aggressive leadership, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.