Clifford Tompkins was born on October 4, 1916. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division. He died on June 12, 1944 at the age of 27 and is now buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York, USA.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Clifford Tompkins (ASN: 32043883), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 July 1943, in the vicinity of Castelluccio Russo, Sicily. During an attack on strongly-defended enemy positions, an enemy machine gun and sniper's nest were continually firing into Sergeant Tompkin's organization. Due to their strategic position, this nest imperiled the advance of the entire organization. Realizing the danger of the situation, Sergeant Tompkins and another man started for the nest over open terrain and advanced to within 200 yards of the nest. At this point Sergeant Tompkins was wounded in the arm, but, refusing to retreat, ordered his companion to cover him while he advanced another hundred yards, and then made a last rush at the enemy position. This action resulted in the capture of two of the enemy, the wounding of two others, the destruction of the enemy emplacement, and the rout of those remaining in the nest. This outstanding act of bravery and complete disregard for personal safety assured the advance of Sergeant Tompkin's battalion to its objective. His action is worthy of the highest praise. Sergeant Tompkins' 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, his unit, and the United States Army.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com, https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/33050