Clarence Wade Mcclusky, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Combat Plane and Air Group Commander of Air Group SIX (AG-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. On receipt of a report of an enemy Japanese invasion fleet in the area, Lieutenant Commander McClusky led his squadron of planes in a dogged and thorough search, continued until the objective was located, and attacked with boldness and determination four enemy carriers in complete disregard of heavy antiaircraft fire and strong fighter opposition. Such severe damage was inflicted on the flight decks of the Japanese carriers that they were effectively putout of action. Lieutenant Commander McClusky’s courage and inspiring leadership in the face of great danger and very large opposition were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 307 (October 1942)