Clarence H. Brittain

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Clarence H. Brittain (0-1821671), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 5th Infantry Division, in action on 18 and 19 July 1944, at St Lo, France. Upon hearing of the death of his company commander, Captain Brittain, a company executive officer, immediately went forward under intense artillery fire, assumed command of the company and reorganized it. He than made a personal reconnaissance of the approaches leading in the St Lo and constantly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to deploy his platoons most effectively. Captain Brittain’s intrepid actions, superlative leadership and utter disregard for personal safety are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces.