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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Clyde James Van Arsdall, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ANTHONY (DD-515), in action against the enemy from 25 through 27 May 1945, at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands. Immediately following a hostile suicide attack during which his ship shot down two enemy planes, Commander van Arsdall courageously maneuvered his vessel alongside the fiercely burning U.S.S. BRAINE (DD-630) which had been struck by a Japanese suicide plane and, capably directing rescue operations, succeeded in saving the damaged ship from destruction and in rescuing many personnel who might otherwise have perished. His excellent leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Anthony (DD-515)

    Action Date:

    April 1 – June 24, 1945
    Commander Destroyers Pacific Fleet: Serial 038 (January 15, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Clyde James Van Arsdall, Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ANTHONY (DD-515), in the vicinity of Okinawa, from 1 April to 24 June 1945. Assigned for sixteen days to radar picket station duty, Commander Van Arsdall directed his ship in destroying eleven enemy planes and the Combat Air patrol under his command in the shooting down of nineteen more. Throughout this entire period, he skillfully fought his ship, furnishing accurate fire support in covering the landing operation and the advance of our troops ashore. By his exemplary leadership and courageous devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of these operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1963 – February 10, 1966
    All Hands (June 1966)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Clyde James Van Arsdall, Jr., 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 as Chief of the Joint War Games Agency, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 4 March 1963 to 10 February 1966, for his contribution to the solution of problems affecting national security.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Clyde James Van Arsdall, Jr., 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Clyde James Van Arsdall, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.