The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Clifford E. Thompson (ASN: 0-385363), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 90th Infantry Division. On 17 August 1944 near ***, France, when elements of his company were engaged in combat with the enemy defending a roadblock they came under a heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire with excellent enemy observation. Two enemy tanks had succeeded in getting into the position by a flanking movement and brought heavy fire on the roadblock. When some of the supporting troops began to fall back, Captain Thomas immediately and with disregard to his own personal safety moved from the position to position under fire encouraging the men to remain and placing them in a favorable position to defend. He then directed anti-tank fire at the enemy tanks putting two of them out of action. His devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety was an inspiration to those who saw this action and was in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service.