The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Clarence E. Austin (ASN: 33008982), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 January 1945, near ****, Germany. Forced to abandon his burning Tank Destroyer after it received a direct hit from an anti-tank shell, Corporal Austin, with complete disregard for his own safety, left his position of comparative safety and went to the aid of one of his crewmen. Despite the fire of an enemy tank, mortar shells and exploding ammunition from the disabled Tank Destroyer, Corporal Austin coolly removed the man’s overshoe and shoe before he was able to extricate him from the deep snowdrift and carry the injured man to the safety and shelter of a nearby house. This gallantry and courage displayed by Corporal Austin was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.