Clifford C. Sims

Staff Sgt., U.S. Army

The “Delta Raiders” from the 101st Airborne Division underwent fierce fighting in Huế, Vietnam where members of the unit would earn two Medals of Honor. Sgt. Joe Hooper was the other recipient.

As squad leader, Sim's leadership and actions during an enemy ambush undoubtedly saved many lives.

His squad successfully enabled a pinned down platoon to regain the initiative. While moving to a new position, he heard a booby trap being triggered. Warning his men, he hurled himself upon the exploding device, taking the full impact to protect his fellow soldiers.

“Sims saved the lives of at least three of his squad and two of the company headquarters by absorbing the shock of the blast himself,” wrote 1st Lt. Cleo Hogan, Sims’ commander, in an eyewitness statement supporting his Medal of Honor bid. “SSG Sims made the greatest sacrifice a soldier can make … and no mark of tribute can be too great.”