The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) David B. Clarkson (ASN: 1181203), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in action on 21 and 22 April 1945, at Okinawa, in the Ryukyu Islands. On that date, enemy mortar and machine gun fire from commanding and well-camouflaged positions was causing very heavy casualties to assault infantry and halted their advance. Lieutenant Clarkson left cover and advanced alone to the hill crest, which would afford him observation of enemy territory. There he stayed the entire night directing fire on enemy positions. This act minimized the intensity of enemy fire and was responsible for the repulsing of several counterattacks. He was killed in the early morning of 22 April while advancing with lading elements of the infantry. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Clarkson upheld the morale of the assault troops and made it possible to hold ground during the night and successfully advance the following morning. First Lieutenant Clarkson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.