This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Robert Cox, YNCS
to remember
McClusky, Clarence Wade, Jr., RADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Buffalo, NY
Last Address Bethseda, MD
Date of Passing Jun 27, 1976
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
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:
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.
Guadalcanal Campaign (1942-43)/Battle of the Eastern Solomons
From Month/Year
August / 1942
To Month/Year
August / 1942
Description The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons (also known as the Battle of the Stewart Islands and, in Japanese sources, as the Second Battle of the Solomon Sea took place on 24–25 August 1942, and was the third carrier battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II and the second major engagement fought between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Guadalcanal Campaign. As at the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, the ships of the two adversaries were never within sight of each other. Instead, all attacks were carried out by carrier-based or land-based aircraft.
After several damaging air attacks, the naval surface combatants from both America and Japan withdrew from the battle area without either side securing a clear victory. However, the U.S. and its allies gained tactical and strategic advantage. Japan's losses were greater and included dozens of aircraft and their experienced aircrews. Also, Japanese reinforcements intended for Guadalcanal were delayed and eventually delivered by warships rather than transport ships, giving the Allies more time to prepare for the Japanese counteroffensive and preventing the Japanese from landing heavy artillery, ammunition, and other supplies.
