John Kingdom Clifford

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Kingdom Clifford (0-104656), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against an enemy Japanese naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands Area on 24 August 1942. Delivering a vigorous and determined attack against a Japanese aircraft carrier, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Clifford, by his aggressive fire, contributed materially to the probable destruction of that vessel in spite of intense anti-aircraft opposition. His courage in combat and his conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.