The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumously) to Chief Gunner’s Mate Francis Charles Clouse (NSN: 3285036), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving on board the U.S.S. HUGH W. HADLEY, in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 11 May 1945. With his ship bombed and seriously damaged during a prolonged and terrific Japanese aerial attack, Chief Petty Officer Clouse immediately procured a fire hose and proceeded to fight the flames raging aft of No. 2 stack. Moving in upon the conflagration despite the grave danger of exploding ammunition and flying fragments of steel, Chief Petty Officer Clouse rendered valiant service in controlling the fires under continuing attack, remaining at his perilous work until he was mortally wounded when an enemy suicide plane crashed near his station on the gallant destroyer. His indomitable spirit, heroic conduct and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.