The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Clarence Albert O’Leary (ASN: 20800991), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 36th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 March 1945, in Germany. Sergeant O’Leary was in a jeep leading an armored car into a city as advance elements of his platoon, when he suddenly encountered an enemy group of approximately company strength. He immediately ordered all weapons to fire; and both vehicles rushed forward, spraying the street with fire from three machine guns. The vehicles were brought to a sudden halt when the enemy pushed a wagon across the street; but Sergeant O’Leary continued to fire his rifle until he was instantly killed by an enemy shell. By his daring and aggressive leadership, he assisted in preventing the enemy from forming a defense of the town. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant O’Leary, 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.