Robert Booth Clark

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Booth Clark, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol Squadron FOURTEEN (VP-14), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, on 26 August 1942. While flying a patrol mission Lieutenant Clark reported the position of an enemy task force north of the Solomon Islands while his aircraft was engaging an attack of eight Japanese Zero fighters. By superb handling of his aircraft he was able to maneuver his plane into a position which enabled his waist gunners to shoot down two of the enemy planes and drive off the others. Despite serious damage to his Patrol Plane and casualties among his crew, he made a difficult crash landing at Ontong, Java, where he managed the meager resources available on the island until, after seven days, he and his crew were rescued. Lieutenant Clark’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.