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SSGT Clarence Prager

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SSGT Clarence Prager Veteran

Birth
Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA
Death
18 Sep 1944 (aged 31)
Netherlands
Burial
Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Distinguished Service Cross Recipient

Clarence Prager
Date of death: Missing in Action/Presumed KIA
Home of record: West Virginia
Status: MIA

505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
82nd Airborne Division

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during World War II

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 Staff Sergeant Clarence Prager (ASN: 15114194), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 and 18 September 1944, in Holland. Staff Sergeant Prager, with a small combat team consisting of an eight man light machine gun section, a bazooka team, and approximately thirteen riflemen, established four strongpoints in enemy territory for the protection of the successful glider landings in Holland. Staff Sergeant Prager led his men along the planned route and at three of the four positions encountered determined resistance. At the first position he personally destroyed two machine gun positions. By effective participation and dominant leadership ability he directed his men in the destruction of the enemy and the establishment and consolidation of four strong positions of his own. The final strongpoint was set upon in the German held [Reichswald], by a superior enemy. To insure the maintenance of his first three positions, Staff Sergeant Prager ordered his BAR team back to the third strongpoint and alone held off the German assault with Thompson submachine gun fire at point blank range. The conspicuously superior leadership and invincible courage displayed by Staff Sergeant Prager assured the security of the glider landing zone. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 10 (January 22, 1945)

Action Date: September 17 - 18, 1944

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Division: 82d Airborne Division
Distinguished Service Cross Recipient

Clarence Prager
Date of death: Missing in Action/Presumed KIA
Home of record: West Virginia
Status: MIA

505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
82nd Airborne Division

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during World War II

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 Staff Sergeant Clarence Prager (ASN: 15114194), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 and 18 September 1944, in Holland. Staff Sergeant Prager, with a small combat team consisting of an eight man light machine gun section, a bazooka team, and approximately thirteen riflemen, established four strongpoints in enemy territory for the protection of the successful glider landings in Holland. Staff Sergeant Prager led his men along the planned route and at three of the four positions encountered determined resistance. At the first position he personally destroyed two machine gun positions. By effective participation and dominant leadership ability he directed his men in the destruction of the enemy and the establishment and consolidation of four strong positions of his own. The final strongpoint was set upon in the German held [Reichswald], by a superior enemy. To insure the maintenance of his first three positions, Staff Sergeant Prager ordered his BAR team back to the third strongpoint and alone held off the German assault with Thompson submachine gun fire at point blank range. The conspicuously superior leadership and invincible courage displayed by Staff Sergeant Prager assured the security of the glider landing zone. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 10 (January 22, 1945)

Action Date: September 17 - 18, 1944

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Division: 82d Airborne Division


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  • Created by: Jeff Hall
  • Added: Feb 23, 2015
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142986561/clarence-prager: accessed ), memorial page for SSGT Clarence Prager (12 May 1913–18 Sep 1944), Find a Grave Memorial ID 142986561, citing Beverly Hills Memorial Park, Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA; Maintained by Jeff Hall (contributor 47296194).