New York Army National Guard Specialist David Clark, White Plains Resident, Recognized for Valor in Combat

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Col. Michel M. Russell, Sr., 401st Army Field Support Brigade commander presents an Army Commendation Medal with the "V" device to Spc. David P. Clark . (US Army Photo by Summer Barkley)

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN (07/20/2012)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Spc. David P. Clark, a White Plains resident serving in Afghanistan, has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with the "V" device for valor.

The V device indicates participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.

Clark was one of three New York Army National Guard Soldiers belonging to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team who were involved in defending Forward Operating Base Salerno in eastern Afghanistan against an enemy attack on June 1. The three were assigned to the 401st Army Field Support Brigade as customs agents.

Clark is a member of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion. He and the other Soldiers were assigned as customs agents for their nine-month tour of duty in the combat zone.

According to Army Public Affairs, the incident began about 1 p.m. on June 1.

Insurgents detonated a vehicle loaded with explosives near the post.  The insurgents then tried to gain access to the base.

A firefight lasting about 30 minutes ensued with Clark and  New York Army National Guard Specialist Justin C. Ruiz, from the Bronx, engaging the enemy.

Clark was conducting routine operations when the vehicle borne explosives detonated about 50 meters away from him. After getting his body armor and ammunition, he began checking buildings for insurgents and wounded.

"We secured the area until 2100 (9 p.m.) ," Clark said. He said that was so Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel could complete their work.

The write-up for his award reads in part: "Without thought for his own safety Spc. Clark engaged the enemy with direct fire less than 75 feet away while receiving direct fire from automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenades and detonations stemming from enemy suicide vests. His team was able to successfully destroy the enemy preventing them from gaining a foothold on the base. Spc. Clark's actions in combat and bravery were vital to the successful defense of the base."

"It was not to hesitate -- take care of each other," said Clark, a medical logistician. "We relied on our training and strong battle buddies."

Ruiz also received the Army Commendation Medal with V device for his part in the action. The awards were presented by Col. Michel Russell, commander of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade during a ceremony on July 12.

"They [Clark and Ruiz] briefed me on their ammo abatement program when I visited Salerno and two weeks later they're in full battle rattle engaging the enemy," said Col. Michel M. Russell, 401st AFSB commander, at the awards ceremony.

"This is no small feat," Russell added. "I salute you."

New York Army National Guard 1st Lt. Eric J. Leon, a Port Washington, N. Y. native, took action to secure the Army Materiel Command compound and was awarded the Army Combat Badge for his part in the action.

NOTE: The information in this release come from an Army Press Release prepared by Summer Barkley and available at: http://www.army.mil/media/255811