Lieutenant-Commander Douglas Alan Clark (May 26, 1917 – August 6, 2012) was an American fighter pilot who received the

Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps' second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is eq ...

for his actions while commanding Fighting Squadron THIRTY (VF-30), attached to the

USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) USS ''Belleau Wood'' was a United States Navy light aircraft carrier active during World War II in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1945. The ship also served in the First Indochina War under French Navy temporary service as ''Bois Belleau'' ...

, on 21 March 1945. While on combat air patrol he directed his squadron to attack an enemy formation of Japanese bombers which was heavily protected by fighters. Even though his squadron was significantly outnumbered they were able to shoot down over 40 enemy aircraft in 30 minutes without suffering one loss. Clark himself shot down one enemy fighter and damaged another during the confrontation. His quick action and the superiority of his squadron turned back what would surely have been a devastating attack on his carrier group. ServiceMedals awarded to Capt

Along with the Navy Cross Capt Clark (rank at retirement) received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, five

Air Medal The Air Medal (AM) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. It was created in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Criteria The Air Medal was establish ...

s, a

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth ...

during his time in combat in the Pacific Theater as Naval Aviator. After the war he took part in the development of the Navy's jet fighter program, as well as served in the Pentagon. Clark retired from the U.S. Navy in 1963, and moved to south Florida where he lived until his death on August 6, 2012, at the age of 95. He was scheduled to be buried in

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery is one of two national cemeteries run by the United States Army. Nearly 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres (259 ha) in Arlington, Virginia. There are about 30 funerals conducted on weekdays and 7 held on Sa ...

with full military honors.

Medals and Accolades

Lieutenant Commander Douglas Alan Clark received the following medals

References

External links

Military Awards for Valor - Top 3 (U.S. Dept of Defense)

Military Times "Hall of Valor" - AWARDS AND CITATIONS

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clark, Douglas Alan 1917 births 2012 deaths Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Recipients of the Air Medal Burials at Arlington National Cemetery United States Navy personnel of World War II