Robert Cleminson Clarke

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Cleminson Clarke, Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Composite Squadron TWENTY-ONE (VC-21), embarked from the escort carrier U.S.S. MARCUS ISLAND (CVE-77), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. Leading his division in bombing and strafing runs against major units of the enemy Fleet despite intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Clarke boldly pressed home his attack and made a direct hit on an enemy battleship with his bomb. On the recovery from his dive, he led his division in a sustained strafing attack on an enemy destroyer and, despite a heavy curtain of opposing fire, inflicted damage on its bridge. Lieutenant Commander Clarke’s courage, airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 02424 (March 6, 1945)