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 Corporal Clarence Patton (ASN: 33075263), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 August 1944. On that date, a platoon of reconnaissance troops, of which Corporal Patton was a member, advanced as the leading element of Combat Command ****, 4th Armored Division, on the town of Paucourt, France. The platoon was immediately counter-attacked by an enemy force which outnumbered them by more than twenty-to-one. Corporal Patton stood fast in his advanced position and killed more than twenty of the enemy with small arms fire. He so inspired his men by his conspicuous bravery that they held their positions against the overwhelming odds, killed more than one hundred and fifty of the enemy, and held the town for over two hours, until relieved by friendly infantry. Following this heroic action, Corporal Patton continued to serve with his reconnaissance platoon until he was killed in action of 12 September 1944 while engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy at Charges, France. His outstanding heroism, his consistent eagerness to close with the enemy, and his supreme devotion to duty exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.