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Navy Federal Credit Union
Clarence
Alvin
Borley
July 17, 1924

–

Clarence Borley became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was shot down himself in October 1944, and spent five days adrift in a life raft before he was recovered by the submarine U.S.S. Sawfish. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander in 1968.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0113 (February 26, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Clarence Alvin Borley (NSN: 0-325881), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces while assigned to a fighter sweep mission against enemy aircraft in the vicinity of Formosa on 12 October 1944. Although greatly outnumbered by enemy aircraft, Ensign Borley, with great determination and skill, attacked and destroyed two enemy fighter airplanes and aided materially in the destruction of several others in aerial combat. He was later shot down by anti-aircraft fire during the same flight, while strafing anti-aircraft positions located near an airfield. Forced to land in the water, he was able to successfully evade capture by the enemy and he was later rescued by friendly forces. During this time in the water, while in his life jacket, he killed two of the enemy in a sampan who were attempting to capture him. His coolness, heroism, courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Untied States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Clarence Alvin Borley (NSN: 0-325881), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 00110 (December 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Clarence Alvin Borley (NSN: 0-325881), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy over Formosa on 12 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter airplane assigned to a fighter sweep mission and while greatly outnumbered, he attacked and destroyed two enemy fighter airplanes and assisted materially in the destruction of nineteen others in aerial combat. His heroism, courage, coolness and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Action Date:

    July 23 – August 8, 1944
    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 9040 (September 19, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Clarence Alvin Borley (NSN: 0-325881), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area during the period from 23 July 1944 to 8 August 1944. Ensign Borley completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.