Richard Howard Clive

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Howard Clive (0-173465), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, 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 THIRTEEN (VT-13), embarked from the U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13), in action against twenty-three units of the Japanese Fleet in the Sibuyan Area, during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 24 October 1944. An aggressive and intrepid airman, experienced in combat flying, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Clive immediately made a daring run on his target in bold defiance of the intense withering barrages of anti-aircraft fire from all warships in the force and, pressing home his determined, relentless attack at perilously low altitude, scored a direct hit on an enemy battleship. By his superb flying ability, his indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage, maintained at great personal risk, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Clive contributed immeasurably to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on the Japanese during this and numerous other brilliantly executed strikes against Japanese shipping and shore installations in the Pacific War Area. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, VB-13: Serial o25 (November 2, 1944)