The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clarence J. Becker (ASN: 32142431), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 June 1944, two miles from ****, Normandy, France. Private First Class Becker, machine gunner, remained with his gun throughout intensive artillery barrages and a direct assault with tanks. His accurate fire blinded the lead tank, causing it to “button up” and move into range a bazooka which destroyed it. The two following tanks fired at Private First Class Becker’s position but he kept shooting at them until they suffered a like fate. Throughout the entire night, he helped repulse eight fierce enemy counterattacks and was instrumental in the successful repulse of every German effort to throw reinforcements over the **** River at ****. His conspicuous gallantry typified the highest traditions of the airborne forces of the United States Army.