The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert B. Clay (MCSN: 0-29503), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-212), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 December 1952. After leading his flight to the target area during a mission deep in enemy territory to locate and destroy a concealed battery of hostile artillery and adjacent supply buildings, Captain Clay instructed the group to orbit out of range of anti-aircraft fire while he descended to search out the target. Locating the camouflaged position in the foothills of the coastal range of mountains, he rejoined the orbiting aircraft and initiated an aggressive bombing assault, scoring direct hits on the objective despite intense ground fire and an extremely hazardous avenue of approach. With the target now clearly defined, he conducted his flight in repeated bombing and strafing assaults that completely destroyed the hostile artillery and left the surrounding buildings and supply stacks engulfed in flames. By his outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Clay was largely responsible for the success of his flight in demolishing a vital link in the enemy’s coastal defense system and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.