Thomas Eugene Clifford

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Thomas Eugene Clifford (0-20339), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 22 April 1944, at Dapapre, Dutch New Guinea. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford commanded a Battalion of the 19th Infantry Regiment, which landed at Dapapre, Dutch New Guinea, on 22 April 1944 and participated in the capture of the Hollandia Air Drome on 26 April 1944. throughout the entire period of this operation, often under enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford performed his duties in an outstanding manner, distinguishing himself by gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty by showing complete disregard for his own personal safety under all circumstances in order to accomplish his mission. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Eugene Clifford (0-20339), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 10 to 30 November 1944, in the Philippine Islands. Leading his Battalion in an amphibious operation to effect the envelopment of an enemy position which had prevented a frontal advance for several days, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford aggressively executed the maneuver and seized a prepared enemy position well in rear of the main hostile defenses. Under extremely difficult supply and evacuation conditions, always in contact with the enemy and frequently attacked by much larger forces, his Battalion made determined and sustained harassing attacks on enemy supply lines and communications thus diverting and destroying a large number of hostile troops and disrupting a major enemy counter offensive. Without rest, after this arduous and highly effective action, the Battalion under his command and when reinforced by fresh troops, immediately launched a further determined attack. During this entire period, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford, by his aggressive leadership and courageous personal conduct in close contact with the enemy, imbued his men with an indomitable fighting spirit, the direct result of which was a costly and serious defeat of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Clifford’s gallant leadership, 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 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.