Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert Joseph Clinton, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in response to a visual message from an Australian gunboat which had spotted a Japanese submarine during World War II. Lieutenant Clinton tracked down the hostile craft and forced her to the surface with depth charges. In a low-altitude strafing attack his own guns jammed and he stood by, tracking the submarine, until additional aircraft arrived and destroyed the submarine.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 16 (VB-16)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01863 (September 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Robert Joseph Clinton, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. Leading fifteen dive bombers on a strike against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant Commander Clinton skillfully maneuvered the squadron into position for attack and, pressing home his attack in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, scored a hit which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His leadership and professional skill throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Clinton and the United States Naval Service.