The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Clarence Eugene Ekstrom, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), in a surface engagement with a large task force of the Japanese Fleet near the Island of Samar in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Captain Ekstrom handled his ship at all times in a highly expert and seamanlike manner. By his courage, skill in combat, and determination, he gave encouragement to his officers and men and to his air personnel in a manner that caused his action to be largely instrumental in the defeat of the Japanese task force. Captain Ekstrom’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Clarence Eugene Ekstrom, 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 during World War II.
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Legion of Merit
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 379 (September 1948)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Clarence Eugene Ekstrom, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff of Commander Air Pacific, from 23 January 1945 to 2 September 1945.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
All Hands (February 1963)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Clarence Eugene Ekstrom, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from October 1959 to November 1962 as Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Displaying marked professional competence and resourcefulness, Vice Admiral Ekstrom has been highly successful in carrying out his many responsibilities throughout this period. His diligent application of the principles of leadership and his high personal standards of conduct have left a lasting impression on the personnel of his command. Under his skillful direction, the combat readiness and capabilities of the Naval Air Force units in the U.S. Pacific Fleet have steadily increased, thereby assuring the United States an effective and formidable instrument for preserving peace in the several international crises that arose during his command tenure.