Prior to First Canadian Army breakout on the Nijmegen salient on, 6 February 1045, it was essential that all known minefields which would hinder our initial advance be cleared. B.2543, 6 Lance-Sergeant Clarke, 2 Canadian Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, worked forward of our own infantry outposts on four successive nights. He made a personal reconnaissance of the most outlying fields, removing a great many anti-personnel mines, trip flares, booby traps and anti-tank mines.
On the night of 3/4 February this Non-Commissioned Officer led a small Sapper party over the Groesbeck-Wyler road to remove American [?] mines from a vital road section. On this occasion it was necessary to work within 50 yards of a German position which was known to be strongly held. Lance-Sergeant Clarke led his men with such skill and courage that the task was almost completed before the enemy appreciated the intrusion. Then under fire from automatic weapons, and within grenade range of the enemy positions, Lance-Sergeant Clarke cooly removed the last mines from this area before withdrawing his entre party. The conduct of this Non-Commissioned Officer throughout these trying and difficult tasks was an inspiring example to his men. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty are worthy of the highest praise.