Clarence J. Miculka

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence J. Miculka (38162957), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery C, 441st AntiAircraft Artillery Battalion (AW), in action against enemy forces on 24 April 1945, near Dillingen, Germany. When his Battery was engaged in defending the only Allied-controlled bridge over the Danube River, Corporal Miculka braved a strafing attack by two Messerschmitts. Although he received a fatal wound from the 20-mm. gun of an attacking plane, which severed his right leg and shattered his arm, he continued to engage the hostile aircraft with his 37-mm. cannon. Bleeding to death and with his vehicle riddled in twelve placed by German fire, he fought on to damage and destroy the enemy. He died a few minutes after accomplishing his courageous, self-assigned mission. Corporal Miculka’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.