The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Sidney Clay Wooten (ASN: 0-18126), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 5th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division in action in Austria. On 5 May 1945, Colonel Wooten fearlessly led a reconnaissance platoon a distance of thirty-four miles to seize the city of Steyr, Austria. Although the roads he traversed were crowded with enemy troops and mechanized vehicles he audaciously led his small party with such daring and assurance that the enemy believed resistance was futile and made no effort to impede his progress. When fired upon by hostile 88-mm. guns near his objective, this gallant officer skillfully deployed his meager force to contain the enemy. He then courageously retraced the hazardous route to the rear, located his leading battalion and personally led them to a position from which they outflanked and destroyed the enemy pocket of resistance. Colonel Wooten’s heroic actions and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
November 16, 1956 – May 31, 1957
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 45 (August 28, 1957)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Sidney Clay Wooten (ASN: 0-18126), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of Camp Kilmer and the United States Army Refugee Reception Center, Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, from 16 November 1956 to 31 May 1957. Displaying professional competence and a keen perception of the many problems confronting the United States by the emergency admission of thousands of Hungarian refugees fleeing communist domination, General Wooten directed the establishment and operation of the United States Army Refugee Center with outstanding proficiency and dispatch. His keen insight and adroit skill in the supervision of the staff were responsible for the development of an organization capable of performing a unique mission with distinction to the Army and the country. The effective support rendered by the troops under his command to the many Government and civilian agencies cooperating in the United States Refugee Program materially furthered the effectiveness of the operation. His cooperation and tact coupled with his personal interest in keeping the public informed of the Army’s mission fostered cordial relations with Government officials and civilian leaders and contributed immeasurably in presenting the Army in its authentic light. General Wooten’s commendable achievements during an extremely critical period have significantly enhanced the stature of the United States army and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
5th Infantry RegimentDivision:
71st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 24, 1945
Headquarters, 71st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 24 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Sidney Clay Wooten (ASN: 0-18126), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, on 24 March 1945, in the vicinity of Lingenfeld, Germany. On that date, the 5th Infantry Regiment was attacking a strong enemy force in the town of Lingenfeld. Colonel Wooten, Commanding Officer of the 5th Infantry, established his Command Post on an exposed slope overlooking the town. Despite intense artillery fire, he steadfastly remained at his post where he could best control the operation of his forces. Before the town of Lingenfeld was cleared of the enemy and while our forces were subject to intense enemy artillery and sniper fire, Colonel Wooten, with complete disregard for his personal safety, advanced into the town where he set an inspiring example of leadership in the control of his regiment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Wooten, 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.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
December 16, 1953 – June 16, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Sidney Clay Wooten (ASN: 0-18126), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 17th Infantry Regiment, in Korea, from 16 December 1953 to 16 June 1954. Assuming responsibility in the tense alert period following cessation of hostilities, Colonel Wooten initiated and implemented realistic training programs and, through exploitation of sound tactical concepts and expert guidance, maintained his command in a high state of morale and combat-readiness. He zealously conducted inspections of equipment and maintained surveillance over supply and transportation facilities to insure maximum operational effectiveness. Additionally, he actively participated in numerous programs for the rehabilitation of war-torn Korea, earning the respect and esteem of the civilian populace, and furthering mutual understanding and appreciation of the United Nation’s mission again aggression. Colonel Wooten’s exemplary achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 29 (August 27, 1965)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Sidney Clay Wooten (ASN: 0-18126), United States Army, for eminently meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from June 1957 to July 1965. During this period, General Wooten served consecutively as Commanding General, XIII United States Army Corps and Fort Devens, Fort Devens, Massachusetts; Commanding General, United States Army Training Center, Infantry, Fort Dix, New Jersey; Chief, United States Army Advisory Group, Korea; and Deputy Commandant for Academic Affairs, The National War College, Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C. General Wooten’s inspiring leadership, professional competence, and dedicated devotion to duty consistently led to optimum results throughout the wide and diverse scope of his responsibilities. Through his well-calculated planning and unique organizational ability, he achieved outstanding effectiveness in directing activities ranging from training programs in the Continental United States to conducting an advisory program in the Republic of Korea. As Deputy Commandant for Academic Affairs, The National War College, he displayed administrative excellence and a vast knowledge of the educational process both in its wide philosophical aspects and in its techniques. With objectivity, sound judgment, and professional skill, he provided the Commandant of The National War College with invaluable assistance in fulfilling the important mission of this educational institution. His diligence, professional acumen, and tenacity of purpose were constantly directed in the best interest of the military service and greatly strengthened the readiness posture of the armed forces of his country. General Wooten’s distinguished performance of duty is in the highest and most honored traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.