The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer of the Commander Aircraft, Solomon Islands, from 20 November 1943 to 15 March 1944. During this period, Colonel Jerome rendered invaluable aid to the precision planning, coordination, and execution of strategic plans for the utilization of Allied air power against Japanese forces in the Bougainville, Rabaul and New Ireland Areas. By his exceptional judgment and technical understanding of the capabilities and limitations of all types of Allied aircraft, he contributed materially to irreplaceable losses suffered by the Japanese in aircraft, shipping and vitally needed supplies, and also afforded great assistance to the Allied Ground and Naval Surface Force Commanders in carrying out their respective tasks, which were accomplished despite continuously bad weather and the necessity of basing and staging our aircraft at many widespread points. His organizational ability, initiative and devotion to duty were inspirational to the entire command and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Jerome is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 15 – December 20, 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (First Army Award) to Colonel Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services on Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 18 January to 19 February 1945. As commander of the Marine air groups at Dagupan and as air base commander at Mangalden Strip, Colonel Jerome directed Marine air support for ground operations on all Luzon fronts. Aircraft under his control flew over three thousand sorties during this period and gave valuable support in neutralizing enemy positions in the Antipolo-Wawa-Loolac and Fort Stotsenburg areas, causing many casualties and extensive damage to enemy installations and equipment. Colonel Jerome, by his outstanding leadership, efficiency and initiative, aided materially in the advance of our forces on Luzon.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
April 11, 1952 – January 8, 1953
Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 1 (January 13, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United Nations in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, FIRST Marine Air Wing in Korea, from 11 April 1952 to 8 January 1953. Charged with the responsibility for the operation of all land-based Marine aircraft against the enemy in Korea, General Jerome was primarily instrumental in establishing and maintaining the excellent combat records of these organizations within his Command. Drawing upon his wide and varied tactical experience, General Jerome led his Wing to enviable heights in carrying the war to the enemy. He was able through his exceptional skill, to accomplish successfully his assigned mission and to promote the highest standards of efficiency throughout the First Marine Air Wing. Working in close liaison with the Fifth Air Force he contributed materially to the effective integration of the Marine striking force into the overall United Nations’ aerial offensive. In the important field of inter-service relations, General Jerome demonstrated an exemplary spirit of co-operation which, coupled with his battle-tested knowledge of the best utilization of Marine attack aircraft, was of invaluable assistance in the prosecution of the Korean conflict. His thorough understanding of staff level planning and sound management methods enabled him to establish performance standards and control procedures which permitted constant surveillance over all phases of the Wing’s activities, thereby insuring its continuing high level of performance. Under General Jerome’s direction the training program for fighter- bomber, attacks, and night fighter pilots in the latest interdiction and ground support tactics of proven effectiveness was a vital factor in the Wing’s consistent ability to mount a maximum number of sorties in their strikes against the Communist forces. By his outstanding devotion to duty and exceptional professional knowledge and leadership, Major General Jerome reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force.
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Air Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 29, 1943 – July 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Colonel Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while attached to various Marine Headquarters Squadrons in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, Philippine Islands and Bismarck Archipelago, from 29 August 1943 to 9 July 1945. Serving in various capacities during this period, Colonel Jerome completed numerous hazardous missions, rendering invaluable assistance in the coordination of Army, Navy, Marine and New Zealand units, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 15 – December 20, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander Aircraft, Northern Solomons, from 15 June to 6 November 1944; and as Commander Aircraft, Emireau and Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-TWO, from 7 November to 20 December 1944. Supervising the planning, coordination and execution of strategic plans for the utilization of Allied air power against the enemy in the Bougainville-Rabaul-New Ireland Area, Colonel Jerome rendered invaluable assistance to the commander aircraft in the speedy and effective handling of burdensome matters and, in addition, planned for and coordinated the movement of aircraft units into combat areas. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Jerome is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
April 11, 1952 – December 16, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit (Second Army Award) to Major General Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United Nations as Commanding General, First Marine Air Wing, in Korea, from 11 April 1952 to 16 December 1952. Charged with the responsibility for the operation of all land-based Marine aircraft against the enemy in Korea, General Jerome was primarily instrumental in establishing and maintaining the excellent combat records of these organizations within his Command. Drawing upon his wide and varied tactical experience, General Jerome led his wing to enviable heights in carrying the war to the enemy. He was able through his exceptional organizational skill, to accomplish successfully his assigned mission and to promote the highest standards of efficiency throughout the First Marine Air Wing. Working in close liaison with the FIFTH Air Force he contributed materially to the effective integration of the Marine striking force into the overall United Nations’ aerial offensive. In the important field of inter-service relations, General Jerome demonstrated an exemplary spirit of cooperation which, coupled with his battle-tested knowledge of the best utilization of Marine attack aircraft, was of invaluable assistance in the prosecution of the Korean Conflict. His thorough understanding of staff level planning and sound management methods enabled him to establish performance standards and control procedures which permitted constant surveillance over all phases of the Wing’s activities, thereby insuring its continuing high level of performance. Under General Jerome’s direction the training program for fighter-bomber, attack and night fighter pilots in the latest interdiction and ground support tactics of proven effectiveness was a vital factor in the Wing’s consistent ability to mount a maximum number of sorties in their strikes against the Communist forces. By his outstanding devotion to duty and exceptional professional knowledge and leadership, General Jerome reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct and extraordinary achievement while participating in a number of aerial flights in connection with the search for and rescue of the survivors of a Venezuelan airplane crash. On 23 April 1937, an airplane belonging to Venezuelan Government, carrying nine persons crashed in the dense jungles of the Cuyuni, as a result of which two of the occupants were killed and the remainder injured in varying degrees of seriousness. Captain Jerome, then serving as Naval Attach and Naval Attached for Air to the American legations in Columbia, Venezuela and Panama, reported promptly from Panama in response to the request for aid of the American Minister to Venezuela, and for ten days made almost daily flights over extremely hazardous and unexplored mountain and jungle terrain and, during that time also, selected and prepared for possible use in evacuating the survivors, a channel in the narrow Cuyuni River where his amphibian plane could land. When the survivors were finally located, to which end his thorough and tenacious searching contributed materially, he showed rare flying skill and courage in twice landing in the narrow jungle river, with protruding rocks and overhanging trees, and in bringing out to safety four occupants of the ill-fated plane, one of whom was most severely injured. The take-off from the very narrow river, having numerous obstacles, was most hazardous. His conduct, foresight, courage and flying skills on this occasion were distinguished and outstanding.
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel Clayton Charles Jerome (MCSN: 0-3799), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 10 March to 4 July 1945. As Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Groups THIRTY-TWO, TWELVE, and TWENTY-FOUR, Colonel Jerome exhibited outstanding leadership and professional knowledge in directing the effective air support of the Mindanao, Philippine Islands, Campaign. His comprehensive grasp of the complex and ever changing ground situation was instrumental in maintaining the successful coordination of ground and air forces as he skillfully planned and directed 10,000 combat sorties against the enemy. Under his able leadership the units were utilized to the maximum advantage, continually providing close, accurate support to the swiftly advancing ground forces. By careful timing and assignment of missions, he effected the prompt reduction of assigned targets, disrupting the enemy transportation system and the movement of hostile troops. Through his marked professional capacity, resourcefulness, and unremitting devotion to duty, Colonel Jerome made a conspicuous contribution to the liberation of Mindanao.