This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Robert Cox, YNCS
to remember
McClusky, Clarence (Wade), RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Not Specified
Last Address Buffalo, New York
Date of Passing Jun 27, 1976
Location of Interment Not Specified
Wall/Plot Coordinates Not Specified
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Additional Information
Last Known Activity Please add Admiral McClusky to your list of shipmates and visit often.
This profile is about 75% complete.
See my other famous Naval leader profiles.
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.
Other Comments:
Born on 1 June 1902 in Buffalo, New York.
Graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1926.
Became a Naval Aviator in 1929.
Served in several air units, as well as on command staffs, as an instructor at the Naval Academy and at shore facilities.
In 1940 he was assigned to Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6), based on USS Enterprise(CV-6), and assumed command of that squadron in April 1941.
Lieutenant Commander McClusky became Enterprise air group commander in April 1942.
During the Battle of Midway, while leading his air group's scout bombers on 4 June 1942, he made the critical tactical decision that led to the destruction of the Japanese aircraft carriers Kaga and Akagi, thus making a vital contribution to the outcome of that pivotal battle.
Commanded the escort carrier Corregidor (CVE-58).
Served in a variety of staff and shore positions in the later 1940s.
During the Korean War, he was Chief of Staff to the Commanders of the First and Seventh Fleets.
Commanded NAS Glenview, Illinois, in 1952–53.
Commander of the Boston Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in 1954–56.
Retired from active duty in July 1956.
At that time, in recognition of his vital contributions to the outcome of World War II, he was advanced to flag rank.
Personal Details
