Robert Joseph Clinton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Joseph Clinton, 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 Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan on 24 July 1945. Leading fifteen dive bombers on a strike against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant Commander Clinton skillfully maneuvered the squadron into position for attack and, pressing home his attack in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire, scored a hit which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His leadership and professional skill throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Clinton and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01863 (September 18, 1945)