The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Clelaon A. Helmer (ASN: 32943665), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Luxembourg, on 6 and 7 January 1945. While leading a wire team working under a heavy artillery and mortar barrage, Technician Helmer, a field lineman, observed a wounded man lying in an open field. With utter disregard for his safety, he crawled to his injured comrade in the face of intense mortar, machine gun and rifle fire, dragged the soldier to a position of cover, and assisted a volunteer litter team in carrying him to a medical vehicle. On the following day, Technician Helmer severely sprained an ankle while working with his wire team, but insisted on completing his mission. Even when his injury became so painful as to make walking impossible, he refused evacuation and performed the duties of a switchboard operator. His intrepid actions and exemplary devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier.