Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company D, 2nd Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army (Company D, 2nd Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in action on 3 January and 21 and 22 February 1945. On 3 January, when the enemy strongly attacked the company and battalion command posts near Philippsbourg, France, Sergeant Cloonan directed his men in setting up their machine guns and in firing with deadly effect throughout the four hour assault. Subsequently, on 21 Februart during the attack to gain high ground overlooking Saarbrucken, Germany, and the enemy counter attack the following day, Sergeant Cloonan worked constantly with his men, under hostile small arms and tank fire, and contributed greatly to the successful operation against the enemy. His courageous leadership and tireless devotion to duty were a constant source of inspiration to all the men."

General Orders No. 70, Headquarters 70th Infantry Division (19 July 1945).