The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant David E. Clement, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as the pilot of a UH-2A Seasprite rescue helicopter during the fire that occurred on the USS FORRESTAL (CVA59) on 29 July 1967. While Lieutenant Clement was flying plane guard for the FORRESTAL a tremendous fire broke out on the aft flight deck of the FORRESTAL. Several people were blown over the side of the aircraft carrier by explosions. At the very beginning of the fire, Lieutenant Clement immediately flew to the position immediately astern of the ship to pick up survivors in the water. Braving flying debris and explosions that violently shook his aircraft, he skillfully hovered his overweight helicopter to rescue four badly burned survivors from the water. He delivered the four people to the flight deck of the nearby USS ORISKANY (CVA 34), returned to the FORRESTAL, picked up an additional survivor from the water, and delivered this survivor to the forward flight deck of the FORRESTAL. He then made two additional landings on the still burning FORRESTAL to deliver medical personnel and supplies from the ORISKANY. The landings aboard the FORRESTAL were all extremely hazardous because of the enormous fire, debris and explosions which continued to occur. His courageous and selfless action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.