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Clifton
Albert F.
Sprague
January 8, 1896

–

April 11, 1955

Clifton Sprague graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1918. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Clifton Albert F. Sprague, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 349 (April 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Clifton Albert F. Sprague, 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 Commander Carrier Division TWENTY-FIVE in action on Morotal on 15 September 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    September 1944 – April 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Clifton Albert F. Sprague, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as an Escort Carrier Division Commander during the period September 1944 to April 1945. He commanded Escort Carrier Task Units in support of major amphibious assault operations at Morotai, Leyte, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa Gunto. His resourceful planning, outstanding leadership, high professional ability, and experience contributed greatly to the success of these important operations. His superb conduct in the Battle for Leyte Gulf where his Escort Carrier Task Unit, after being subjected to close range attack, turned back a major enemy task force, and the brilliant direction of his forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa were typical examples of his resourcefulness, his determination and his courage, which have been at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Division:

    Task Unit 77.4.3

    Action Date:

    October 18 – 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0193 (January 19, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Clifton Albert F. Sprague, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Unit SEVENTY-SEVEN POINT FOUR POINT THREE (TU-77.4.3), consisting of six escort carriers and aboard the U.S.S. FANSHAW BAY (CVE-70), in action against the enemy from 18 through 25 October 1944. Rear Admiral Sprague furnished air support to amphibious attack groups landing troops on the shores of Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands. On 25 October 1944, this Task Unit was taken under fire by a strong enemy force consisting of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, and was under air attack from Japanese suicide dive bombers. In the face of overwhelming enemy fire power and speed he repeatedly launched aircraft against the enemy Fleet, directed torpedo attacks by the screen, and so skillfully maneuvered his force that only two of his carriers were lost. His stubborn defense and damage inflicted on the enemy ships by ships and aircraft of his command was a major factor contributing to the Japanese decision to retire from the Battle of Samar Island. Admiral Sprague’s personal courage and determination in the face of overwhelming enemy surface gunfire and air attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.