The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Fireman First Class Paul Leaman Clark, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving as Engineer of a landing boat attached to the U.S.S. JOSEPH T. DICKMAN (AP-26) during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco from 8 to 11 November 1942. When a hostile plane strafed his boat with machinegun fire, mortally wounding the bow man and severely injuring the coxswain, Fireman First Class Clark with quick initiative immediately withdrew from the beach. Speeding toward the U.S.S. PALMER, he placed the wounded men aboard and, although his craft was riddled by enemy bullets, courageously returned to his station at the beach and completed his boat’s mission. The conduct of Fireman First Class Clark throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.