The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Douglas Mark Clark (ASN: US-56502925), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company E, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Clark distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 October 1968 while serving as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission northwest of Lai Khe. His platoon was moving through dense jungle when it came upon an apparently abandoned North Vietnamese Army base camp. While moving through the camp, seizing ammunition, food, clothing and enemy documents, Specialist Clark spotted an enemy squad set up for an ambush. After alerting his platoon, Specialist Clark, with complete disregard for his personal safety, single-handedly engaged the enemy with intense rifle fire. His decisive action saved the lives of the other members of his platoon and forced the hostile troops into a nearby bunker. Fearlessly assaulting the enemy with rifle fire and several well-aimed hand grenades, Specialist Clark was mortally wounded by a burst of automatic weapons fire from the bunker. His determined spirit and courageous action served as an inspiration to his comrades and contributed measurably to the success of the platoon’s mission. Specialist Four Clark’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.