The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Clarence Matheson Bowley (NSN: 0-62015), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PRICHETT (DD-561), and as commander of Destroyer Division FORTY-EIGHT (DesDiv 48), during operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, from 1 April 1945 to 23 June 1945. On 3 April Captain Bowley’s ship was under heavy attack by many enemy airplanes for over three hours, but by his courage, skill and combat, and determination, Captain Bowley caused his ship to drive off the attacks, destroy three enemy planes and damage others. Although his ship was severely damaged in the action he continued to fight so effectively that further damage was prevented. He caused effective damage control measures to be taken that permitted the ship to remain on its vital mission until relieved. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.