The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Joseph C. Clifton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in leading and coordinating the operations of combined British and U.S. air groups in two hazardous attacks on enemy bases at Sabang, Sumatra, and Soerebaja, Java, on 19 April and 17 May 1944. Commander Clifton enabled his airmen to destroy or inflict heavy damage on important ships and shore installations. He personally accounted for two grounded planes, damaged two others and shot one out of the sky, besides obtaining valuable photographs of the target areas.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Commander Joseph C. Clifton, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the combined air groups during joint U.S. and British operations against Japanese bases in the Netherlands East Indies from 29 January 1944 to 28 February 1944. Commander Clifton skillfully planned, led and coordinated attacks on Sabang, Sumatra and Sorejaba, Java. He personally accounted for two grounded planes, damaged two others and shot one out of the sky and obtained valuable photographs of the target regions.