Clarence F. Bradberry

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Clarence F. Bradberry, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 January 1945, near Lemberg, France. When Company B’s position on rolling wooded terrain was subjected to a heavy enemy counterattack, Lieutenant Bradberry’s platoon was assigned the mission of driving back the determined enemy. Quickly forming a plan of attack, he led his men in a flanking maneuver which overran the enemy’s outposts and main position. Shouting words of encouragement, he personally led his troops forward through intense small arms and artillery fire against a large hostile force that was well dug in and cleverly concealed. Inspired by Lieutenant Bradberry’s conspicuous valor and aggressive leadership, his men crushed all enemy resistance in the sector, killed thirty-seven of the enemy and captured thirty. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.