The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Albert L. Rawcliffe (ASN: 32759579), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 7 March 1945. When his company was pinned down as it attacked enemy positions located in several houses, Sergeant Rawcliffe, accompanied by an officer, advanced toward one of the buildings despite withering fire from enemy automatic weapons, and after throwing hand grenades into the house, leaped through the window and assaulted the hostile machine gunners. His intrepid actions were responsible for silencing the enemy weapon, the capture of its crew, and enabled his unit to continue its advance. 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 and the United States Army.