Staff Sergeant Clifford C. Sims, United States Army, who distinguished himself on 21 February 1968, while serving as a squad leader with Company D, 2d Battalion(Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, near Hue, in the Republic of Vietnam. Company D was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position concealed within a dense wooded area when it encountered strong enemy defensive fire. Once within the woodline, Sergeant Sims led his squad in a furious attack against an enemy force, which had pinned down the 1st platoon and threatened to overrun it. His skillful leadership provided the platoon with freedom of movement and enabled it to regain the initiative. Sergeant Sims was then ordered to move his squad to a position where he could provide covering fire for the company command group and to link up with the 3rd platoon, which was under heavy enemy pressure. After moving no more than thirty meters Sergeant Sims noticed that a brick structure in which ammunition was stocked was on fire. Realizing the danger, Sergeant Sims took immediate action to move his squad from this position. Though in the process of leaving the area two members of his squad were injured by the subsequent explosion of the ammunition, Sergeant Sims prompt actions undoubtedly prevented more serious casualties from occurring. While continuing through the dense woods amidst heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Sims and his squad were approaching a bunker when they heard the unmistakable noise of a concealed boobytrap being triggered immediately to their front. Sergeant Sims warned his comrades of the danger and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the device as it exploded, taking the full impact of the blast. In so protecting his fellow soldiers, he willingly sacrificed his own life. Staff Sergeant Sims conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.