PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

Evening Star, Issue 25047, 14 December 1943, Page 5

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

VISIT TO SICILY GENERAL CLARK DECORATED FOR BRAVERY (Rec. 10 a.m.) RUGBY, Deo. 12: On his return from the conferences in Cairo and Teheran President Roosevelt flew to Sicily, states a White House announcement , He was accompanied by General Eisenhower. He reviewed some of' the troops who helped to wrest Sicily from the enemy. Among the six officers on whom the President pinned the American D.S.C. was General Clark, commanding the Fifth Army in Italy, |' for extraordinary heroism in action." The citation accompanying the award states: " On September 14, 1943, the enemy launched an attack which imperilled the Salerno bridgehead and the landings of the Fifth Army in Italv. As army commander General Clark went forward to the front line. There under enemy artillery and _m«-qhine-gun fire he displayed utter disregard for his personal safety and spread an infectious spirit of determination and courage. He stopped again and again to talk with the men, telling them that ,under no circumstances must any ground be yielded. General Clark discovered 18 German tanks approaching within striking distance. He personally took charge of the situation, located an anti-tank unit, and issued orders, which resulted in the destruction of six tanks and vepulsion of the attack. By his magnificent displav of leadership." courage, and determination during a critical phase of the hnttle the front line troops were inspired to hold at all costs and subsequently to initiate » steady advance.'