Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    2d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1969

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4955 (December 31, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class James A. Clark, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969, while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle driver with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Specialist Clark was part of a liaison team located at a fire support base when it was suddenly attacked by an estimated North Vietnamese battalion using small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. As the force pushed forward, several friendly positions were overrun. Specialist Clark’s vehicle received a mortar round, destroying the communications system. Reacting calmly and quickly, he maneuvered to a better fighting position and began engaging the enemy with his personal weapon. As the enemy force overran the camp, Specialist Clark continued to fight from his exposed position atop the assault vehicle, valiantly defending the remaining part of the support base. At one point, he spotted an enemy soldier climbing on the neighboring track. With complete disregard for his personal safety Specialist Clark went directly to the enemy, engaging him at close range and killing him. Specialist Fourth Class Clark’s gallant actions, devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.