Name: Clifford Chester Sims
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
Place: Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Jacksonville, Florida
Born: 18 June 1942, Port St. Joe, Florida
Summary of Action
On 21 February 1968, Company D was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position concealed within dense woods near Hue when it encountered intense defensive fire.
S/Sgt. Clifford C. Sims led his squad in a fierce attack against an enemy force that had pinned down the 1st Platoon and threatened to overrun it. His aggressive leadership restored momentum to the assault and enabled the platoon to regain the initiative.
Later ordered to reposition his squad to provide covering fire and link up with another platoon under heavy pressure, Sims moved through the thick undergrowth under fire. Along the way, he noticed that a brick structure containing ammunition was ablaze. Immediately recognizing the imminent danger, he ordered his squad to move out of the area. Although two men were injured when the ammunition detonated, his quick action prevented far greater casualties.
Continuing through the woods, Sims and his squad approached an enemy bunker when they heard the distinct sound of a concealed booby trap being triggered directly in front of them.
Without hesitation, S/Sgt. Sims shouted a warning and threw himself onto the device as it detonated. He absorbed the full force of the explosion, sacrificing his life to save the men behind him.
His instantaneous decision and selfless courage spared his fellow soldiers from death or grievous injury.
Medal of Honor Citation
SIMS, CLIFFORD CHESTER
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Place and date: Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 21 February 1968.
Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla.
Born: 18 June 1942, Port St. Joe, Fla.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Sims distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company D. Company D was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position concealed within a dense wooded area when it encountered strong enemy defensive fire. Once within the woodline, S/Sgt. Sims led his squad in a furious attack against an enemy force which had pinned down the 1st Platoon and threatened to overrun it. His skillful leadership provided the platoon with freedom of movement and enabled it to regain the initiative. S/Sgt. Sims was then ordered to move his squad to a position where he could provide covering fire for the company command group and to link up with the 3d Platoon, which was under heavy enemy pressure. After moving no more than 30 meters S/Sgt. Sims noticed that a brick structure in which ammunition was stocked was on fire. Realizing the danger, S/Sgt. Sims took immediate action to move his squad from this position. Though in the process of leaving the area 2 members of his squad were injured by the subsequent explosion of the ammunition, S/Sgt. Sims’ prompt actions undoubtedly prevented more serious casualties from occurring. While continuing through the dense woods amidst heavy enemy fire, S/Sgt. Sims and his squad were approaching a bunker when they heard the unmistakable noise of a concealed booby trap being triggered immediately to their front. S/Sgt. Sims warned his comrades of the danger and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the device as it exploded, taking the full impact of the blast. In so protecting his fellow soldiers, he willingly sacrificed his life. S/Sgt. Sims’ extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Name: Clifford Chester Sims