The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander David Hayward McClintock, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. DARTER (SS-227), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 1 September 1944 to 24 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Celebes Sea and South China Sea. Maneuvering his ship through hazardous waters and strong enemy escorts, Commander McClintock launched repeated torpedo attacks to damage a hostile tanker severely and, before his submarine was grounded, scored five direct hits to sink a large cruiser and four more to damage another despite severe depth-charge attacks. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Commander McClintock and the United States Naval Service.



