McClusky, Clarence Wade, Jr., RADM

For outstanding service while attached to USS ENTERPRISE, participating in raids on Marshall, Wake, Gilbert and Marcus islands and the Battle of Midway, he was awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguised Flying Cross, a letter of Commendation with Ribbon, a Ribbon and facsimile of the Presidential Unit Citation to ENTERPRISE, the Purple Heart Medal and the Navy Cross.

In addition, he held the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp; the American Medal; Asiatic-Pasific Campaign Medal; World War II victory Medal; Naval Occupation Service Medal, Asia Clasp; China Service Medal; National Defense Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; and the Korean Presidential unit Citation.

Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is presented to Clarence Wade McClusky, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Air Group Commander for Air Group SIX (AG-6) on board the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6) during the Battle of Midway on 6 June 1942. On receipt of a report of an enemy Japanese invasion fleet in the area, Lieutenant Commander McClusky led his squadron of planes in a dogged and thorough search, continued until the objective was located, and attacked with boldness and determination four enemy carriers in complete disregard of heavy antiaircraft fire and strong fighter opposition. Such severe damage was inflicted on the flight decks of the Japanese carriers that they were effectively putout of action. Lieutenant Commander McClusky's courage and inspiring leadership in the face of great danger and very large opposition were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.