The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Van Edward Clagg (ASN: RA-35448007), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant Clagg distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Majon-ni, Korea, on 21 November 1950. On that date, Sergeant Clagg was serving as wire chief of a motorized patrol which had been given the mission of establishing contact with the enemy. While traveling through a narrow mountainous pass, the patrol was ambushed at 1500 hours by an estimated five hundred fanatical, hostile soldiers and came under intense automatic and small-arms fire. Ordering his men to take cover, and heedless of the enemy’s concerted effort to neutralize his position, Sergeant Clagg fearlessly manned a machine-gun on his vehicle and delivered deadly, accurate fire into the on-rushing enemy. In the ensuing action, he received severe facial wounds but steadfastly continued to sweep the charging foe with withering fire until he fell mortally wounded. Sergeant Clagg’s valorous act enabled other members of his unit to reach available cover and establish an effective defense. His superb personal bravery, sustained courage, and willing self-sacrifice saved the lives many of his comrades. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Clagg reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.