The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Herbert Brent Clayton (ASN: 36552474), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lawican, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 10 May 1945. As a communications sergeant in Company E, 136th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Clayton was charged with laying wire for sound power communications during an assault against a well-fortified enemy position which had halted the advance of other elements. As his platoon neared its objective, it was stopped by a Japanese machine gun to the front. Disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Clayton crawled forward under heavy enemy fire to within ten yards of the enemy weapon. Quickly hurling a grenade into the emplacement, he rose, single-handedly charged the position, and killed the two-man crew with his rifle. Another machine gun and several riflemen then began firing on him from the flank, but, manning the captured enemy weapon, he rapidly silenced this Japanese group. Although enemy fire was still being concentrated on him, he skillfully deployed a squad to protect the flank and directed deadly fire against enemy riflemen. By his extraordinary heroism in the face of intense enemy fire and his aggressiveness and determined fighting spirit, Sergeant Clayton was highly instrumental in enabling his platoon to accomplish its mission. Sergeant Clayton’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.