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 Private Clifford George Harmon (ASN: 6581091), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 25 February 1945. While attacking an intricate and well-defended enemy-held hill guarding the approaches to Balete Pass, the 161st Infantry Regiment was halted by a strong Japanese force entrenched in a large cave which formed an impregnable key point for the entire defense system. The entrance was so situated that any attacker would be forced to make an exposed frontal assault without covering fire. After one flame-thrower team had failed in an attempt to approach the cave, Private Harmon, without regard for his personal safety, voluntarily seized the flame-thrower equipment and fearlessly walked to the mouth of the cave. Standing alone in full view of the enemy, he blasted the occupants with a searing stream of flame. Five Japanese ran from the position, but, maintaining his exposed stand, Private Harmon continued his methodical and ferocious reduction of the cave. When the smoke cleared, he was standing in the midst of a field of smoking enemy corpses. As he turned to rejoin his company, a single Japanese soldier charged his with fixed bayonet. Finding his flame-thrower empty, Private Harmon boldly stood his ground, met the enemy’s thrust with the nozzle of his weapon, and then, using it as a club, bludgeoned his adversary to death. After the completion of his actions, 26 of the enemy were found dead in the vicinity of the cave. By his outstanding courage, cool determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, and fearless disregard for his own safety, Private Harmon set an example of heroism worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.