The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier‐based Navy Combat Plane and Air Group Commander of Enterprise Air Group, attached to 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 anti‐aircraft fire and strong fighter opposition. Such severe damage was inflicted on the flight decks of the Japanese carriers that they were effectively put out of action. In this engagement, in which Lieutenant Commander McClusky suffered a shoulder wound from enemy shrapnel, his courage and inspiring leadership in the face of over‐whelming opposition and great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.