Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company B, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
Second Lieutenant James F. Clarke, O-1294267, Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 14 June 1944, in Normandy, France. Lieutenant Clarke was commanding the advance rifle platoon of Company B, 507th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division in an attack against the enemy situated on high ground south of La Bonneville, France. The advance elements were held up by fire from an enemy machine gun, nested in an emplacement on the high ground to the front. Setting an example of courage and initiative, Lieutenant Clarke raced for the enemy gun. He wiped it out with grenades, and in the performance of this heroic action, lost his life. His intrepidity set an example for others to parallel. This courageous action was a determining factor in the successful accomplishment of the battalion's mission. Entered military service from New York.

Awarded posthumously.