Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Sergeant Clifford L. Gardner (Army Serial Number 36078091), Infantry, while serving with the Army of the United States, distinguished himself by heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 27 August 1944, in the area of Provins, France. When approaching the city the advance elements of a task force met fierce resistance from well emplaced 88-mm anti-tank guns, "bazookas", and mortars. Four tanks were sent forward to locate and reduce the gun positions holding up the advance. Sgt. Gardner, in command of one of the tanks, pitched boldly into the enemy. One 88-mm gun was destroyed and many infantrymen armed with "bazookas" killed before his tank received three direct hits and put out of action. Sgt. Gardner was killed in this engagement. His valor in attacking an enemy force much more powerful than his own reflects the fighting spirit which has made the American soldier a much-to-be-feared adversary.

Posthumously awarded.
Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 50 (16 September 1944).