Clarence Colson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Clarence Colson (12-22792), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. When the landing craft carrying Sergeant Colson and his squad had grounded some 400 yards offshore, the men were forced to swim in under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Sergeant Colson, despite the enemy fire moved from one man to another encouraging and aiding them shoreward. Reaching shore, Sergeant Colson was determined to continue the attack. He moved across the fire swept beach, locating and organizing his scout section. He then took up a firing position in clear view of the enemy and directed his fire at the nearest machine gun emplacement while some of his men cut a gap in the wire. Firing as he advanced, Sergeant Colson then led his squad through an uncharted mine field to assault the enemy machine guns. Despite enemy hand grenades thrown at him, Sergeant Colson reached the gun position and leaped into it with his rifle blazing. In this daring action against overwhelming odds, Sergeant Colson killed several enemy and force the surrender of seventeen. The courage, initiative, and leadership exhibited by Sergeant Colson exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.