Clarence George Campbell, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence George Campbell, Jr. (0-115038), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWO (VT-2), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Marianas Islands on 4 August 1944. Lieutenant Campbell pressed home a determined attack on a large enemy destroyer. When his torpedo failed to release he made a second daring run, accurately scoring a direct hit amidships and leaving the hostile vessel in a sinking condition. Forced to land on the water as a result of the severe damage inflicted on his aircraft, he skillfully set his plane down on heavy seas without injury to his crewmen, before he himself succumbed. Lieutenant Campbell’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 335 (February 1945)