CAPT. DOUGLAS ALAN CLARK, for extraordinary heroism as Flight Leader and Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THIRTY, attached to the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Home Islands on March 21, 1945. Leading a combat air patrol protecting the Task Force, Lieutenant Commander Clark directed his squadron in a devastating attack on a large enemy bomber formation despite the presence of high enemy fighter cover. Although his flight was greatly outnumbered by the enemy, he personally shot down one hostile fighter and damaged another, thereby aiding in turning back the threat to the security of our Task Force and contributing to the destruction of the enemy bombers without the loss of a single friendly plane. His airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Capt. Clark passed away August 6, 2012.