HEROISM IN ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1943, Page 2

HEROISM IN ACTION

■ GENERAL CLARK’S FINE I LEADERSHIP AT CRITICAL STAGE OF SALERNO BATTLE DECORATION CONFERRED BY PRESIDENT. DURING VISIT TO SICILY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.32 a.m.) RUGBY, December 13. On his return from the conferences in Cairo and Teheran, President Roosevelt flew to Sicily, states a White House announcement. He was accompanied by General Eisenhower and reviewed some of the troops who helped to wrest Sicily from the enemy. Among six officers on whom the President. pinned the American D.S.C. was General Clark, commanding Hie Fifth Army in Italy, “for extraordinary heroism in action.” The citation accompanying the award states: “On September 14 the enemy launched an attack which imperilled the Salerno bridgehead and the landings of the Fifth Army in Italy. As Army Commander, General Clark went forward to the front line and there, under enemy artillery and machinegun fire, displayed an utter disregard for his personal safety and spread an infectious spirit of determination and courage. He stopped again and again to talk with men, telling them that under no circumstances must any ground be yielded. General Clark discovered eighteen German tanks approaching within striking distance. He personally took charge of the situation, located an anti-tank unit and issued orders which resulted in the destruction of six tanks and the repulsion of the attack. By his maglificent display of leadership, courage and determination during a critical phase of the battle the front line troops were inspired to hold on at all costs and subsequently to initiate a steady advance.”