BG WALLACE L. CLEMENT, (then Major), for extraordinary heroism against the enemy in the vicinity of Sasso Bolognese, Italy, on 19 April 1945. Accompanying an armored force consisting of one company of tank destroyers and one company of tanks which was assigned the mission of cutting a road behind an enemy force which was blocking the advance of friendly infantry elements, Major Clement, voluntarily taking command, decided to split the armor into two columns and have them converge on the enemy’s rear. Despite the fierce battle that was raging around him between the armored elements and the enemy artillery, mortars, machine guns and small arms, he dismounted and went around to all the platoon leaders and most of the Tanks and Tank Destroyers to explain his plan and to give instructions. Returning to his lead vehicle, he ordered an advance and personally led the attack with such determination that the enemy resistance was overrun and the force advanced to the road junctions where the armor was to be split up into two columns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Clement again dismounted, went forward, and supervised the evacuation of the wounded and the removal of the knocked out Tank which was then blocking the road. Completing a foot reconnassance of the left fork of the road under intense fire from snipers and machine gunners, he led his column in an outflanking maneuver and reduced the immediate resistance. The column which he was leading reached its objective that night, outflanking the enemy force and reducing its resistance. Major Clement’s heroism, inspiring leadership and indomitable spirit under intense fire exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

BG Clement resides in Virginia.