The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Clinton V. Swanson, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands, on 20 June 1944. On that date, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Swanson flew in an attack to the limit of endurance against the enemy Main Fleet where he pressed home his attack through most intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition, personally scoring a direct bomb hit amidships abaft the beam of a large enemy aircraft carrier which eventually sank. Upon completion of this most successful attack he returned to his Task Group under most hazardous conditions and was obliged to make a night water landing. His mission was accomplished without loss of any personnel. His courage and skill above and beyond the call of duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.