Distingushed Service Cross citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Clarke (33181894), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, at Normandy, France. As Private Clarke's battalion was advancing, they were hit with severe artillery and machine gun fire and were forced to withdraw slightly. Due to this extremely heavy fire, they were unable to take back with them their wounded personnel. Private Clarke, from his position of cover, observed that two men from his company were lying in a field severely wounded. Private Clarke secured a horse and cart from a nearby farmyard. Despite the intense enemy fire and, with complete disregard for his own safety, he drove the horse and cart to the wounded. He administered first aid and then loaded the wounded men into the cart and brought them to safety. Private Clarke's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 29 (June 29, 1944)