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 (Infantry) Hugh D. Clark, Jr. (ASN: 0-1794909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. During the campaign across the Great Central Plain to Manila from 9 January to 16 February 1945, Captain Clark, commanding officer of a heavy weapons company, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to direct effective mortar barrages. On one occasion, when an attacking company was fired upon by hostile machine guns from the rear, Captain Clark sent his men to a safe location and remained in a position only 90 yards from the hostile gun, directing such accurate fire that the Japanese withdrew from their emplacements. Another time, while he was forward adjusting his mortars, a hostile dual-purpose gun opened fire on his observation post. Undeterred, Captain Clark killed three of the enemy crew with his carbine, and continued to direct his guns until the Japanese weapon was neutralized. Captain Clark’s courage and intelligent use of heavy weapons in the support of assaulting infantry was instrumental in the fine performance of his battalion throughout the operation. 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.