The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) George E. Clark, Jr. (ASN: 0-1296170), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943 near ****, Sicily. First Lieutenant Clark, although he suffered a broken ankle when he dropped by parachute in the Sicilian Invasion, refused to be evacuated. Instead, he organized a five man patrol and proceeded toward the beach, approximately three and one half miles away. Although under frequent artillery, small arms and automatic weapons fire, he led his platoon safely to a pre-designated point where they lit signal fires to guide the seaborne elements. Placing his men in defensive positions he then helped to repulse attempts by small enemy groups to extinguish these important beacons. His outstanding leadership and courageous aggressiveness were important contributions to the coordinated landings. First Lieutenant Clark’s exemplary conduct was in keeping with the high traditions of the Airborne Forces.