Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Clarence W. Foss (ASN: 32493436), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Wurzburg, Germany, on 5 April 1945. Staff Sergeant Foss’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    222d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 22, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces in Austria, General Orders No. 7 (1946)

    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 Staff Sergeant Clarence W. Foss (ASN: 32493436), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 22 January 1945. After driving off an enemy patrol near Schweighausen, France, on 22 January 1945, Sergeant Foss, with three men, was covering one flank of an outpost line held by his platoon, when the party was attacked by forty Germans. Waiting until the enemy were only thirty feet away, the force opened fire, killing fourteen Germans and wounding many more. When the enemy attempted to bring a machine gun into action, Sergeant Foss destroyed it before it could fire and then, although wounded in the face by a grenade he remained to cover his platoon’s withdrawal thus preventing its encirclement. His heroic actions, with complete disregard for his personal safety reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.