The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Clare N. Lyke, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Forward Observer of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on the Cassino Front in Italy, during World War II. Lieutenant Lyke was far to the front when an enemy shell dislodged a nearby rock, wounding him painfully. Soon thereafter he was wounded again, this time by a mortar shell, but he remained at his position, directing the fire of his battery throughout the night. On the following morning he was relieved and received first aid, but as soon as he had been treated he caught a ride over enemy positions in a cub artillery spotting plane, and while returning to action observed an enemy battery he had seen the previous day and directed the fire of his guns in destroying it. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.