WW II
ATKINS, Clarence Edward (Master Sergeant, U. S. Army Ret.)
Born August 7, 1920, in Somerville, Morgan County, Alabama
Died June 11, 1993, in Rome, Floyd County, Georgia.
By authority of General Order Number 76, issued 9 May 1944, by Headquarters, Fifth Army, APO 464, United States Army, Private First Class Clarence E. Atkins, RA 19049724, is entitled to wear the Distinguished Unit Badge per the following citation:
The 2nd Battalion (Reinforced), 30th Infantry Regiment, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 8 August 1943 to 12 August 1943. When a determined enemy is successfully withstanding the attack of an American Army, the 2nd Battalion (Reinforced) made an amphibious landing near San Agata, Sicily, eight miles behind the German lines. This battalion forced a breach in the enemy positions, inflicted heavy casualties upon him in men and material, and advanced the American positions ten miles. Forty-eight hours later, without rest or normal preparations, the 2nd Battalion made a second amphibious landing, this time fifteen miles behind the German lines, in order to seize Mount Creole, a dominating terrain feature between the Naso and Brolo Rivers. In the face of murderous fire from all type of weapons, and tanks, the battalion, without supporting artillery, doggedly fought its way up the precipitous heights of its objective. The soldiers of this organization maintained their captured positions for nineteen and one-half hours, despite constant shelling and repeated counterattacks, until the balance of the division drove through fifteen miles of enemy territory to their relief. In seizing Mount Creole, the 2nd Battalion inflicted and suffered heavy losses in men and material, but forced the enemy to withdraw fifteen miles and denied him the use of a lateral supply line to his inland positions. The action of the 2nd Battalion was marked by gallantry, fearlessness and profound devotion to duty in the successful accomplishment of two vital missions.
By authority of General Order Number 24, issued 24 January 1945, by the Headquarters, Third Infantry Division, APO 3, under the command of Major General O'Daniel, Corporal Clarence E. Atkins, RA 19049724, is awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action against the enemy on 20 December 1944, while a member of the Medical Detachment, Company C, 3d Medical Battalion, France.
Submitted by Clarence Atkins April 11, 2003
