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Second Lieutenant
Clinton S. McLaughlin |
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Class of 2002
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Unites States Army
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS |
Citation
For extraordinary heroism in battle at Hill 700 at Bougainville,
Solomon Islands, from 9 to 13 March 1944. Lieutenant McLaughlin
commanded a platoon, which under his courageous leadership,
defended a key sector of the American perimeter against repeated
mass enemy attacks. Aware of the critical tactical situation
which would develop if the Japanese extended their limited
penetration of the lines, he moved from pillbox to pillbox
under the direct observation and fire of the enemy, skillfully
posting reinforcements for maximum resistance of enemy pressure
and shifting fields of fire which blocked hostile routes of
approach. Two days later, the Japanese worked their way to
within a few feet of his forward positions under the cover
of darkness. Offsetting the surprise element of the assault
by his calmness, and alert tactical skill, Lieutenant McLaughlin
directed the fierce action of his men with complete disregard
for personal danger and stemmed the attack. By this same aggressive
leadership and a determined fighting spirit, which he inspired
in his men by personal example of bravery, the Japanese again
were repulsed in their third and final assault on his sector.
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