Joseph T. Clement

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Infantry) Joseph T. Clement, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major (Infantry) Clement distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near La Ferte Milon, France, 17 – 18 July 1918, while attempting to maintain liaison under enemy artillery fire.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph T. Clement, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near La Ferte-Milon, France, July 18, 1918. Major Clement reported for duty from the hospital as his regiment was preparing to advance to the attack. Soon thereafter, when it was of urgent necessity that important orders o the regimental commander be carried to the officer commanding the assault battalion, he volunteered for the dangerous mission. Accompanied by two men he worked his way forward through a heavy artillery shell fire, located the assault units, and delivered the attack order. Endeavoring to locate the commander of the assault battalion, he fearlessly went into a heavy artillery barrage and continued this important and hazardous task until he was wounded by shell fire.