The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Major General Clarence L. Tinker (ASN: 0-3282), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Assuming command of the HAWAIIAN Air Force, and all Army Air Forces troops in the Hawaiian Department, on 18 December 1941, his wide knowledge of Army Air Forces tactics and his inspiring leadership brought those organizations to the highest standards of training. In the early part of June 1942, he anticipated an attempted Japanese raid on Midway Island and prepared a heavy bombardment task force to participate in the repulse of that raid and the ultimate marked defeat of the Japanese attacking forces. In the final phase of this battle he personally took command of a flight on an attack mission of extremely dangerous nature, and in the highest traditions of the Service elected to execute the mission rather than detail it to a subordinate. This gallant officer and his entire crew, all of whom volunteered to participate in the mission with full knowledge of the nature thereof, were lost at sea. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Tinker and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.