Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Commendation Medal
(with Oak Leaf Cluster)

Captain Wesley K. Clark received his first Army Commendation Medal from Lieutenant Colonel Louis Wagner in May 1969 upon his departure as company commander of A Company, 4th Battalion, 68th Armor, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft Riley, Kansas.

On his evaluation report at the time, his commanding officer wrote

“Upon his assumption of command he immediately took positive action to improve the supply, maintenance, administrative, and training posture of Company A,” and continued “the morale, enthusiasm, and general attitude of the company was so outstanding that it was favorably commented on by a large number of senior officers. This was largely due to the superior leadership of Captain Clark.

Not content to only strive for high standards of performance, he also always considered first the welfare of the men under his command. The high esteem the men of Company A have for him is very evident.”

An officer evaluation also declared

“Clark’s rare combination of great intelligence and education coupled with the drive, organizational ability, and attention to detail of an outstanding troop leader should carry him to the highest positions with the U.S. Army.”

In 1971, Clark began a 3-year teaching assignment with the Department of Social Sciences at West Point that culminated in the presentation of a second Army Commendation Medal, or first oak leaf cluster.

Clark began as an instructor teaching principles of economics and was quickly promoted to assistant professor of political philosophy.

Colonel Lee Olvey, chairman of the Department of Social Sciences, remarked,

“I have not known an officer as junior as he whose counsel has been so widely sought…Clark has a brilliant mind and inexhaustible energy for work and concern for the army as an institution that is unique among officers of his age and grade. He has the finest qualities of character and personality and commands the highest respect from subordinates and superiors.”

During his stay at West Point, Clark also coached the debate and swim teams to their most successful seasons in some time. These achievements prompted a superior to write: “Every program with which [Clark] has been associated has been singularly successful.”

The ARCOM citation described him as a debate coach “largely responsible for the best three-year record in intercollegiate debate competition at the Military Academy” and an “exceptional teacher” who “exemplified selfless devotion to the Corp of Cadets.”

About the Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is a mid-level United States military award which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For actions where such performance was in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor device is authorized as an attachment to the decoration.

The Commendation Medal is awarded by local commanders, allowing for a broad interpertation of the criteria for which the medal may be awarded. The U.S. Army typically authorizes the Commendation Medal for junior officers and enlisted personnel as an end-of-tour award.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Commendation_Medal
http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/acm.shtml
Wesley K Clark, A Biography, Antonia Felix