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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander of a Fighting Squadron. Lieutenant Commander McClusky led a Division of Fighting Planes for the initial attack on Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1 February 1942. With utter disregard for the heavy anti-aircraft fire he repeatedly bombed and strafed objectives causing severe damage to the enemy. Later, while leading a combat patrol over the task forces, contact was made with two twin-engined bombers which were endeavoring to attack the carrier. He led his command in repeated aggressive attacks upon these enemy bombers and this decisive action resulted in the destruction of one and serious damage to the other, which disappeared into a cloud smoking badly. His leadership and courage throughout the day were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Regiment:

    Enterprise Air Group

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Air Group Commander of Enterprise Air Group, attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. On receipt of a report of an enemy Japanese invasion fleet in the area, Lieutenant Commander McClusky led his squadron of planes in a dogged and thorough search, continued until the objective was located, and attacked with boldness and determination four enemy carriers in complete disregard of heavy anti-aircraft fire and strong fighter opposition. Such severe damage was inflicted on the flight decks of the Japanese carriers that they were effectively put out of action. In this engagement, in which Lieutenant Commander McClusky suffered a shoulder wound from enemy shrapnel, his courage and inspiring leadership in the face of overwhelming opposition and great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.