"Clifford C. Sims: A Soldier’s Sacrifice in Vietnam"

Clifford C. Sims was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in combat on February 21, 1968, during the Vietnam War. Born on June 18, 1942, in Port St. Joe, Florida, Sims was raised in difficult circumstances, having spent time in an orphanage before finding stability with a loving family who adopted him. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961, seeking both a sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve his country. Over the years, he proved to be a dedicated and capable soldier, rising through the ranks and earning a place in the elite 101st Airborne Division, known for its storied history and demanding training.

By early 1968, Sims was serving as a squad leader with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. His unit was engaged in intense combat during the Tet Offensive, a massive North Vietnamese and Viet Cong campaign that sought to break the will of American and South Vietnamese forces. On February 21, 1968, near the city of Hue, Sims and his men were advancing through dense jungle terrain when they suddenly came under heavy enemy fire. The North Vietnamese had set up well-concealed defensive positions, and the Americans found themselves facing a deadly ambush.

As Sims led his squad forward, they approached a bunker that threatened their advance. Without hesitation, he charged ahead and destroyed the enemy position, allowing his men to continue moving. However, the battle was far from over. As they pressed on, Sims noticed an enemy booby trap—a tripwire attached to a concealed explosive device. Without a moment’s thought for his own safety, he shouted for his men to take cover and threw himself onto the device just as it detonated. His selfless action absorbed the blast, saving the lives of those around him but costing him his own.

For his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, Clifford C. Sims was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation commended his indomitable spirit, leadership, and willingness to give his life for his comrades. Sims’ legacy endures as a shining example of the valor displayed by American soldiers in Vietnam. His name is enshrined on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and his story continues to inspire those who learn of his heroism.

The President of the United States, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor posthumously to Staff Sergeant Clifford Chester Sims, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Citation:
S/Sgt. Sims distinguished himself by outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and personal sacrifice while serving with Company D. On 21 February 1968, his company was engaged in fierce combat with a heavily armed enemy battalion near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. S/Sgt. Sims and his platoon were maneuvering through a heavily fortified enemy position when an ammunition bunker was detonated by an enemy rocket, trapping members of the platoon in the midst of the exploding ammunition. S/Sgt. Sims, with complete disregard for his safety, left his covered position and ran to the bunker through the intense fire and exploding ammunition. Reaching the bunker, he detected that the trapped men could only escape through a hole in the wall. Ignoring the continuing explosions, he braved the enemy fire to assist the soldiers in escaping and then moved through the debris to another position in order to silence an enemy machine gun which was preventing their advance. As he led the attack, he saw an undetected booby trap. Shouting a warning to his comrades, he unhesitatingly threw himself upon the device as it exploded, absorbing the blast and protecting his fellow soldiers from certain injury and possible death. S/Sgt. Sims' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his own life served as an inspiration to his comrades and saved the lives of those who fought beside him. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.