Clarksville, TN – PFC Preston Clayton was honored by the City of Clarksville in an award ceremony held during this evening’s City Council meeting. Mayor Kim McMillan recognized PFC Clayton for his heroic actions which were instrumental in the capture of a bank robber.
The narrative for the award is shown below:
In recognition and appreciation of your quick and brave actions on August 9th, 2011, that led to the arrest of a bank robbery suspect.
Pfc. Preston Clayton was inside US Bank at 3301 Fort Campbell Boulevard, when he heard a teller say the bank had just been robbed. He saw a man leaving the bank, and without hesitation or concern for his personal safety, the 101st Airborne Division soldier ran after the bank robber.
As he pursued, Pfc. Clayton saw the man climb over a fence and quickly followed, but the robber sped away in a van before he could reach him. When police officers arrived, however, Pfc. Clayton was able to provide a detailed description of the vehicle and the suspect, which resulted in the rapid apprehension of the robber.
Subsequent investigation into the crime revealed that the suspect had also been involved in other robberies in the Clarksville area in which threats of violence were made. Pfc. Clayton’s heroic and selfless acts were instrumental in the arrest of three suspected robbers that ended a string of robberies that plagued the residents of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Oak Grove, Kentucky.
As Mayor of Clarksville, I extend the deepest gratitude of our citizens and the recognition that indeed you exemplify the men and women of our Armed Forces, who daily place service to others above themselves. We are proud of your contribution to our community and to our nation.
For more on the story, see: Fort Campbell Soldier’s quick actions help Police capture Bank Robbers
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