(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Thomas Robert Clarkin, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Clarkin, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.