Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Eugene Franklin Clark (NSN: 0-0329449), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Special Operations Group, G-2, Headquarters, Far East Command, in enemy-held territory in North Korea on 13 and 14 September 1950. Lieutenant Clark was a member of a special operations group which landed in enemy-occupied territory to perform a confidential mission. Lieutenant Clark, in charge of the shore party, proceeded by boat from an offshore rendezvous lying approximately twenty miles offshore through rough seas to a point approximately two hundred yards off the beach of enemy-held territory, known to be occupied and in the process of being mined by Chinese Communist forces in anticipation of an invasion by United States forces. He then transferred to a small rubber boat and landed through the surf on the beach where he contacted friendly personnel who had been operating in that area. He then proceeded inland to the vicinity of an enemy-occupied village, reconnoitered the area and posted guards at the village and northward from the landing point to intercept Chinese Communist patrols in order to protect the remainder of the party during the performance of the confidential mission. On completion of the mission he returned by rubber boat through a surf which had subsequently become heavier and increasingly dangerous to the off-shore rendezvous. The hazards of capture based on losses of preceding groups, together with warnings received from ashore that the enemy was aware of the planned operation did not deter this gallant officer from continuing to volunteer and successfully completing the mission. He was well aware that if he fell into the hands of the enemy, who were on the alert and occupying the entire area, he could anticipate the same fate as those who had preceded him; that is, torture followed by death. Lieutenant Clark’s display of outstanding courage and gallantry uphold the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    September 1 – 15, 1950

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Eugene Franklin Clark (NSN: 0-329449), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    March 13 – 14, 1951

    All Hands (February 1952)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Eugene Franklin Clark (NSN: 0-329449), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a member of a special operations group, attached to G-2, General Headquarters, Far East Command, in connection with operations against enemy forces in North Korea on the nights of 13 – 14 March 1951.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    HQ, Far East Command

    Action Date:

    September 1 – 15, 1950

    Headquarters, Far East Command, General Orders No. 142 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Eugene Franklin Clark (NSN: 0-329449), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Special Operations Group, attached to G-2, Headquarters of Commander in Chief, Far East Command, in action against enemy forces in the Korean area prior to the amphibious assault on Inchon, 1 to 15 September 1950. Responsible for carrying out a task entailing great risk, Lieutenant Clark personally organized and led a mission to obtain vital intelligence information in an area under enemy control. By his aggressive leadership and personal valor, he inspired his men to heroic and determined efforts in achieving the objective, overcoming extreme difficulties and active enemy interference in time to accomplish the assigned mission with completely successful results. Lieutenant Clark’s timely and accurate reports contributed directly to the success of the Inchon landing.