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 First Lieutenant Robert Wesley McClurg (MCSN: 0-16426), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas. Flying wing during a bold sweep over the heavily defended Rabaul Area on 17 December 1943, First Lieutenant McClurg engaged a numerically superior group of enemy fighters and, pressing home his attack vigorously, succeeded in blasting a hostile plane from the skies. On 23 and 28 December, he shot down three Japanese interceptor planes and probably destroyed two more, subsequently participating in determined strafing attacks against the shoreline which resulted in the sinking of two enemy barges and the annihilation of approximately one hundred of the enemy. By his superb airmanship and gallant fighting spirit, First Lieutenant McClurg contributed materially to the combat efficiency of his squadron, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert Wesley McClurg (MCSN: 0-16426), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 12 September 1943 to 22 October 1943. When his flight intercepted a superior number of Japanese fighters during a strike over Hajili on 16 September, First Lieutenant McClurg engaged and destroyed one Zero. Attacking enemy shipping off Choiseul Island with resolute determination on 20 September, he helped to destroy two hostile barges and by his bold courage during a fierce fighter sweep over Kahili Airfield on 17 October, damaged and probably destroyed one Japanese plane. Handicapped by motor trouble while on bomber escort the next day, he unhesitatingly engaged two Zeros and succeeded in destroying both planes. Volunteering on a strafing mission over Kara Airfield on 19 October, he plunged to dangerously low levels in the face of savage anti-aircraft fire to attack and leave seven Japanese planes burning furiously. His superb airmanship, splendid initiative and gallant devotion to duty throughout these and numerous other vital missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert Wesley McClurg (MCSN: 0-16426), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in various Marine Aviation Squadrons in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago Area, from 26 December 1943 to 23 March 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant McClurg contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert Wesley McClurg (MCSN: 0-16426), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands area from 11 October 1943 to 13 October 1943. Captain McClurg completed his twentieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred.