The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Thomas E. Clarke (MCSN: 0-7707), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 to 19 June 1944. Courageously leading his company in the assault operations, Captain Clarke directed the expeditions clearing out of firmly-entrenched enemy gun positions along the beaches and, reorganizing the company, led it across an open field under extremely intense artillery fire which inflicted heavy casualties and completely disorganized his men. Although knocked down several times by artillery blasts nearby, he successfully guided his company across the field and again reorganized it to continue the attack to the initial objective. Subsequently, by his fearless conduct in directing his forces from exposed positions along the front lines, he enabled his men to repulse a fierce enemy counterattack. On 19 June, when his company was held up by devastating hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire during an attack on Japanese caves, Captain Clarke unhesitatingly moved out front to procure tanks to assist the advance and was mortally wounded. His brilliant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.